« | Job 31 | » |
1 I have made a solemn promise never to look with lust at a woman.
2 What does Almighty God do to us? How does he repay human deeds?
3 He sends disaster and ruin to those who do wrong.
4 God knows everything I do; he sees every step I take.
5 I swear I have never acted wickedly and never tried to deceive others.
6 Let God weigh me on honest scales, and he will see how innocent I am.
7 If I have turned from the right path or let myself be attracted to evil, if my hands are stained with sin,
8 then let my crops be destroyed, or let others eat the food I grow.
9 If I have been attracted to my neighbor's wife, and waited, hidden, outside her door,
10 then let my wife cook another man's food and sleep in another man's bed.
11 Such wickedness should be punished by death.
12 It would be like a destructive, hellish fire, consuming everything I have.
13 When any of my servants complained against me, I would listen and treat them fairly.
14 If I did not, how could I then face God? What could I say when God came to judge me?
15 The same God who created me created my servants also.
16 I have never refused to help the poor; never have I let widows live in despair
17 or let orphans go hungry while I ate.
18 All my life I have taken care of them.
19 When I found someone in need, too poor to buy clothes,
20 I would give him clothing made of wool that had come from my own flock of sheep. Then he would praise me with all his heart.
21 If I have ever cheated an orphan, knowing I could win in court,
22 then may my arms be broken; may they be torn from my shoulders.
23 Because I fear God's punishment, I could never do such a thing.
24 I have never trusted in riches
25 or taken pride in my wealth.
26 I have never worshiped the sun in its brightness or the moon in all its beauty.
27 I have not been led astray to honor them by kissing my hand in reverence to them.
28 Such a sin should be punished by death; it denies Almighty God.
29 I have never been glad when my enemies suffered, or pleased when they met with disaster;
30 I never sinned by praying for their death.
31 All those who work for me know that I have always welcomed strangers.
32 I invited travelers into my home and never let them sleep in the streets.
33 Others try to hide their sins, but I have never concealed mine.
34 I have never feared what people would say; I have never kept quiet or stayed indoors because I feared their scorn.
35 Will no one listen to what I am saying? I swear that every word is true. Let Almighty God answer me. If the charges my opponent brings against me were written down so that I could see them,
36 I would wear them proudly on my shoulder and place them on my head like a crown.
37 I would tell God everything I have done, and hold my head high in his presence.
38 If I have stolen the land I farm and taken it from its rightful owners---
39 if I have eaten the food that grew there but let the farmers that grew it starve---
40 then instead of wheat and barley, may weeds and thistles grow. The words of Job are ended.
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.