« | Job 20 | » |
1 Job, you upset me. Now I'm impatient to answer.
2 (SEE 20:1)
3 What you have said is an insult, but I know how to reply to you.
4 Surely you know that from ancient times, when we humans were first placed on earth,
5 no wicked people have been happy for long.
6 They may grow great, towering to the sky, so great that their heads reach the clouds,
7 but they will be blown away like dust. Those who used to know them will wonder where they have gone.
8 They will vanish like a dream, like a vision at night, and never be seen again.
9 The wicked will disappear from the place where they used to live;
10 and their children will make good what they stole from the poor.
11 Their bodies used to be young and vigorous, but soon they will turn to dust.
12 Evil tastes so good to them that they keep some in their mouths to enjoy its flavor.
13 (SEE 20:12)
14 But in their stomachs the food turns bitter, as bitter as any poison could be.
15 The wicked vomit up the wealth they stole; God takes it back, even out of their stomachs.
16 What the evil people swallow is like poison; it kills them like the bite of a deadly snake.
17 They will not live to see rivers of olive oil or streams that flow with milk and honey.
18 They will have to give up all they have worked for; they will have no chance to enjoy their wealth,
19 because they oppressed and neglected the poor and seized houses someone else had built.
20 Their greed is never satisfied.
21 When they eat, there is nothing left over, but now their prosperity comes to an end.
22 At the height of their success all the weight of misery will crush them.
23 Let them eat all they want! God will punish them in fury and anger.
24 When they try to escape from an iron sword, a bronze bow will shoot them down.
25 Arrows stick through their bodies; the shiny points drip with their blood, and terror grips their hearts.
26 Everything they have saved is destroyed; a fire not lit by human hands burns them and all their family.
27 Heaven reveals their sin, and the earth gives testimony against them.
28 All their wealth will be destroyed in the flood of God's anger.
29 This is the fate of wicked people, the fate that God assigns to them.
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.