« | Job 24 | » |
1 Why doesn't God set a time for judging, a day of justice for those who serve him?
2 People move property lines to get more land; they steal sheep and put them with their own flocks.
3 They take donkeys that belong to orphans, and keep a widow's ox till she pays her debts.
4 They prevent the poor from getting their rights and force the needy to run and hide.
5 So the poor, like wild donkeys, search for food in the dry wilderness; nowhere else can they find food for their children.
6 They have to harvest fields they don't own, and gather grapes in vineyards of the wicked.
7 At night they sleep with nothing to cover them, nothing to keep them from the cold.
8 They are drenched by the rain that falls on the mountains, and they huddle beside the rocks for shelter.
9 Evil people make slaves of fatherless infants and take the children of the poor in payment for debts.
10 But the poor must go out with no clothes to protect them; they must go hungry while harvesting wheat.
11 They press olives for oil, and grapes for wine, but they themselves are thirsty.
12 In the cities the wounded and dying cry out, but God ignores their prayers.
13 There are those who reject the light; they don't understand it or go where it leads.
14 At dawn the murderer gets up and goes out to kill the poor, and at night he steals.
15 The adulterer waits for twilight to come; he covers his face so that no one can see him.
16 At night thieves break into houses, but by day they hide and avoid the light.
17 They fear the light of day, but darkness holds no terror for them.
18 The wicked are swept away by floods, and the land they own is under God's curse; they no longer go to work in their vineyards.
19 As snow vanishes in heat and drought, so sinners vanish from the land of the living.
20 Not even their mothers remember them now; they are eaten by worms and destroyed like fallen trees.
21 That happens because they mistreated widows and showed no kindness to childless women.
22 God, in his strength, destroys the mighty; God acts---and the wicked die.
23 God may let them live secure, but keeps an eye on them all the time.
24 For a while the wicked prosper, but then they wither like weeds, like stalks of grain that have been cut down.
25 Can anyone deny that this is so? Can anyone prove that my words are not true?
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.