« | Job 29 | » |
1 Job continued to speak:
2 "I wish my life could be the same as it was a few months ago, when God watched over me and cared for me.
3 God's light shined above me, so I could walk through the darkness.
4 I wish for the days when I was successful, when I enjoyed God's friendship and blessing in my home.
5 God All-Powerful was still with me then, and my children were all around me.
6 Life was so good that I washed my feet in cream and had plenty of the finest oils.
7 "Those were the days when I went to the city gate and sat in the public meeting of the elders.
8 When the young men saw me coming, they stepped out of my way. And the old men stood up to show they respected me.
9 The leaders of the people stopped talking and put their hands over their mouths.
10 Even the most important leaders were quiet, as if their tongues were stuck to the roof of their mouths.
11 All who heard me said good things about me. Those who saw what I did praised me,
12 because I helped the poor when they cried out. I helped the orphans who had no one to care for them.
13 People who were dying asked God to bless me. My help brought joy to widows in need.
14 Right living was my clothing. Fairness was my robe and turban.
15 I was like eyes for the blind, like feet for the crippled.
16 I was like a father to the poor. I helped people I didn't even know win their case in court.
17 I stopped evil people from abusing their power and saved innocent people from them.
18 "I always thought I would live a long life, growing old with my family around me.
19 I was like a healthy plant with roots that have plenty of water and branches that are wet with dew.
20 I thought each new day would bring more honor and be full of new possibilities.
21 "In the past people listened to me. They waited quietly for my advice.
22 When I finished speaking, they had nothing more to say. My words fell gently on their ears.
23 They waited for my words as they would for rain. They drank them in like rain in the springtime.
24 I smiled at them, and they could hardly believe it. My smile made them feel better.
25 I was their leader and made decisions about their future. I was like a king among his troops, comforting those who were sad.
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.