« | Job 15 | » |
1 Empty words, Job! Empty words!
2 (SEE 15:1)
3 No one who is wise would talk the way you do or defend himself with such meaningless words.
4 If you had your way, no one would fear God; no one would pray to him.
5 Your wickedness is evident by what you say; you are trying to hide behind clever words.
6 There is no need for me to condemn you; you are condemned by every word you speak.
7 Do you think you were the first person born? Were you there when God made the mountains?
8 Did you overhear the plans God made? Does human wisdom belong to you alone?
9 There is nothing you know that we don't know.
10 We learned our wisdom from gray-haired people--- those born before your father.
11 God offers you comfort; why still reject it? We have spoken for him with calm, even words.
12 But you are excited and glare at us in anger.
13 You are angry with God and denounce him.
14 Can any human being be really pure? Can anyone be right with God?
15 Why, God does not trust even his angels; even they are not pure in his sight.
16 And we drink evil as if it were water; yes, we are corrupt; we are worthless.
17 Now listen, Job, to what I know.
18 Those who are wise have taught me truths which they learned from their ancestors, and they kept no secrets hidden.
19 Their land was free from foreigners; there was no one to lead them away from God.
20 The wicked who oppress others will be in torment as long as they live.
21 Voices of terror will scream in their ears, and robbers attack when they think they are safe.
22 They have no hope of escaping from darkness, for somewhere a sword is waiting to kill them,
23 and vultures are waiting to eat their corpses. They know their future is dark;
24 disaster, like a powerful king, is waiting to attack them.
25 That is the fate of those who shake their fists at God and defy the Almighty.
26 They are proud and rebellious; they stubbornly hold up their shields and rush to fight against God.
27 (SEE 15:26)
28 They are the ones who captured cities and seized houses whose owners had fled, but war will destroy those cities and houses.
29 They will not remain rich for long; nothing they own will last. Even their shadows will vanish,
30 and they will not escape from darkness. They will be like trees whose branches are burned by fire, whose blossoms are blown away by the wind.
31 If they are foolish enough to trust in evil, then evil will be their reward.
32 Before their time is up they will wither, wither like a branch and never be green again.
33 They will be like vines that lose their unripe grapes; like olive trees that drop their blossoms.
34 There will be no descendants for godless people, and fire will destroy the homes built by bribery.
35 These are the ones who plan trouble and do evil; their hearts are always full of deceit.
The Good News Bible (GNB)
The Good News Bible (GNB), also known as the Good News Translation (GNT) in the United States, is an English translation of the Bible that prioritizes readability and accessibility for a diverse audience. First published in 1966 by the American Bible Society, the GNB was originally designed as a translation for people with limited English proficiency, including non-native speakers and those with lower literacy levels. Its straightforward and contemporary language makes it particularly effective for use in educational settings, churches, and personal study.
One of the hallmark features of the Good News Bible is its dynamic equivalence translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the thought and meaning of the original texts rather than adhering strictly to a word-for-word approach. This allows the translators to use idiomatic expressions and familiar language that resonate with modern readers. The GNB aims to present the Bible in a way that is relatable and engaging, making it easier for readers to connect with the biblical stories and teachings without getting bogged down by archaic language or complex theological terminology.
In addition to its clear language, the Good News Bible includes helpful illustrations, maps, and notes that enhance the reader’s understanding of the text. The translation is structured to facilitate comprehension, often breaking up longer passages into shorter paragraphs and sections. This visual organization aids readers in navigating the biblical narrative and understanding the context of various stories and teachings. The GNB also includes helpful footnotes that provide additional information and insights into specific verses, making it a valuable resource for study and reflection.
Despite its strengths, the Good News Bible has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can lead to a loss of nuance and depth present in the original languages. Additionally, some readers express concern that the GNB’s simplified language may not adequately convey the richness of the biblical text. However, the Good News Bible remains a widely used and appreciated translation, particularly for its commitment to making the scriptures accessible to all, allowing readers from various backgrounds to engage with and understand the timeless messages of the Bible.