« | Job 13 | » |
1 "I have seen all this before. I have already heard everything you say. I understand all of these things.
2 I know as much as you do. I am as smart as you are.
3 But I don't want to argue with you. I want to speak to God All-Powerful. I want to argue with God about my troubles.
4 But you men try to cover up your ignorance with lies. You are like worthless doctors who cannot heal anyone.
5 I wish you would just be quiet. That would be the wisest thing you could do.
6 "Now, listen to my argument. Listen to what I have to say.
7 Will you speak lies for God? Do you really believe your lies are what God wants you to say?
8 Are you trying to defend God against me? You are not being fair. You are choosing God's side simply because he is God.
9 If God checked you very closely, would he see that you are right? Do you really think you can fool God the same as you fool people?
10 You know that God would criticize you if you chose someone's side simply because they were important.
11 God's majesty frightens you. You are afraid of him.
12 The wise sayings you quote are worthless. Your arguments are as weak as clay.
13 "Be quiet and let me talk! I accept whatever happens to me.
14 I will put myself in danger and take my life in my own hands.
15 I will continue to trust God even if he kills me. But I will defend myself to his face.
16 And if he lets me live, it will be because I had the confidence to speak. No guilty person would dare meet God face to face.
17 Listen carefully to what I say. Let me explain.
18 I am ready now to defend myself. I will carefully present my arguments. I know I will be shown to be right.
19 If anyone can prove I am wrong, I will shut up and wait to die.
20 "God, just give me two things, and then I will not hide from you:
21 Stop punishing me, and don't frighten me with your terrors.
22 Then call to me, and I will answer you. Or let me speak, and you answer me.
23 How many sins have I committed? What wrongs have I done? Show me where I went wrong or how I sinned.
24 God, why do you avoid me and treat me like your enemy?
25 Are you trying to scare me? I am only a leaf blowing in the wind. You are attacking a piece of straw!
26 You have a list of terrible charges against me. Are you making me suffer for the sins I did when I was young?
27 You have put chains on my feet. You watch every step I take. You see every move I make.
28 So I am becoming weaker and weaker, like a piece of wood rotting away, like a piece of cloth eaten by moths.
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.