« | Job 20 | » |
1 Then Zophar from Naamah answered:
2 "You upset me, so I must answer you. I must tell you what I am thinking.
3 You insulted me with your answers! But I am wise and know how to answer you.
4 "You know that the joy of the wicked does not last long. That has been true a long time, ever since Adam was put on earth. Those who don't know God are happy for only a short time.
5
6 Maybe an evil man's pride will reach up to the sky, and his head will touch the clouds.
7 But he will be gone forever, like his own body waste. People who knew him will say, 'Where is he?'
8 Like a dream, he will fly away, never to be found. He will be chased away like a bad dream.
9 Those who knew him before will not see him again. His family will never again get to see him.
10 His children will give back what he took from the poor, and his own hands must give back his wealth.
11 When he was young, his bones were strong, but, like the rest of his body, they will soon lie in the dirt.
12 "Evil tastes sweet in his mouth. He keeps it under his tongue to enjoy it fully.
13 He hates to let it go and holds it in his mouth.
14 But that evil will turn sour in his stomach. It will be like a snake's bitter poison inside him.
15 The evil man will spit out the riches he has swallowed. God will make him vomit them up.
16 What he drank will be like a snake's poison; it will kill him like the bite of a deadly snake.
17 He will never again enjoy so much wealth—rivers flowing with honey and cream.
18 He will be forced to give back his profits. He will not be allowed to enjoy what he worked for,
19 because he hurt the poor and left them with nothing. He took houses he did not build.
20 "The evil man is never satisfied. But the things he wants cannot save him.
21 After filling himself, there is nothing left. His success will not continue.
22 Even while he has plenty, he will be pressed down with trouble. His problems will come down on him!
23 If he does get all he wants, God will throw his burning anger against him. God will attack him and rain down punishment on him.
24 Maybe he will run away from an iron sword, but then a bronze arrow will strike him down.
25 It will go through his body and stick out of his back. Its shining point will pierce his liver, and he will be shocked with terror.
26 All his treasures will be lost in darkness. He will be destroyed by a fire, a fire that no human started. It will destroy everything left in his house.
27 Heaven will prove that he is guilty. The earth will be a witness against him.
28 His house and everything in it will be carried away in the flood of God's anger.
29 That is what God will do to those who are evil. That is what he plans to give them."
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.