« | Job 12 | » |
1 Then Job answered them:
2 "I'm sure you think you are the only wise people left. You think that when you die, wisdom will be gone with you.
3 But my mind is as good as yours. You aren't any smarter than I am. You haven't said anything that people don't already know.
4 "My friends laugh at me now. They say, 'He prayed to God and got his answer.' I am a good man; I am innocent, but still they laugh at me.
5 Those who have no troubles make fun of those who do. They hit a man when he is down.
6 But robbers' tents are not bothered. Those who make God angry live in peace, even though God has them in his power.
7 "But ask the animals, and they will teach you. Or ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you.
8 Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you. Or let the fish in the sea tell you their wisdom.
9 Everyone knows the Lord made these things.
10 Every animal that lives and everyone who breathes— they are all under God's power.
11 But just as the tongue tastes food, the ears test the words they hear.
12 People say, 'Wisdom is to be found in those who are old. Long life brings understanding.'
13 But wisdom and power belong to God. Good advice and understanding are his.
14 Anything God tears down cannot be rebuilt. Anyone he puts in prison cannot be set free.
15 If he holds back the rain, the earth will dry up. If he lets the rain loose, it will flood the land.
16 God is strong and always wins. He controls those who fool others and those who are fooled.
17 He strips advisors of their wisdom and makes leaders act like fools.
18 He strips kings of their authority and makes them slaves.
19 He strips priests of their power and removes those who feel so secure in their position.
20 He makes trusted advisors be silent. He takes away the wisdom of the older leaders.
21 He brings disgrace to important people. He takes power away from rulers.
22 He exposes even the darkest secrets. He sends light into places that are as dark as death.
23 God makes nations great, and then he destroys them. He makes nations grow large, and then he scatters their people.
24 He makes their leaders foolish. He makes them wander around in the desert.
25 They are like someone feeling their way in the dark. They are like drunks who don't know where they are going.
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) is a Bible translation specifically designed to be accessible and comprehensible for people with limited reading skills or those for whom English is a second language. Originally published in 1987 by the World Bible Translation Center, the ERV was initially developed to serve the deaf community, using a simplified vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures. The goal of the ERV is to make the scriptures understandable to a wide range of readers, ensuring that everyone can grasp the essential messages of the Bible without being hindered by complex language or archaic terms.
One of the defining characteristics of the ERV is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators employed a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in plain, everyday English. This approach ensures that readers can easily comprehend the Bible’s teachings and narratives, making it a valuable resource for children, new Christians, and those with limited literacy skills. The ERV avoids technical theological terms and instead uses language that is commonly spoken, making it accessible for personal study and public reading alike.
The ERV also pays careful attention to the cultural and contextual nuances of the original manuscripts. The translators sought to present the Bible’s messages in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary readers while maintaining faithfulness to the original texts. This cultural sensitivity helps bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern readers, allowing them to connect more deeply with the biblical stories and teachings. Additionally, the ERV includes helpful footnotes and cross-references that provide further explanation and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the ERV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the simplified language and thought-for-thought approach can sometimes result in a loss of depth and richness found in the original texts. Some theologians believe that the ERV’s emphasis on accessibility may lead to oversimplification of complex theological concepts. Nonetheless, the Easy-To-Read Version remains a highly valuable translation for its target audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps people of all backgrounds engage with and understand the scriptures.