« | Job 32 | » |
1 Job's three friends refused to reply further to him because he kept insisting on his innocence.
2 Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry because Job refused to admit that he had sinned and that God was right in punishing him.
3 He was also angry with Job's three friends, for they made God appear to be wrong by their inability to answer Job's arguments.
4 Elihu had waited for the others to speak to Job because they were older than he.
5 But when he saw that they had no further reply, he spoke out angrily.
6 Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, "I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think.
7 I thought, 'Those who are older should speak, for wisdom comes with age.'
8 But there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent.
9 Sometimes the elders are not wise. Sometimes the aged do not understand justice.
10 So listen to me, and let me tell you what I think.
11 "I have waited all this time, listening very carefully to your arguments, listening to you grope for words.
12 I have listened, but not one of you has refuted Job or answered his arguments.
13 And don't tell me, 'He is too wise for us. Only God can convince him.'
14 If Job had been arguing with me, I would not answer with your kind of logic!
15 You sit there baffled, with nothing more to say.
16 Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?
17 No, I will say my piece. I will speak my mind.
18 For I am full of pent-up words, and the spirit within me urges me on.
19 I am like a cask of wine without a vent, like a new wineskin ready to burst!
20 I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers.
21 I won't play favorites or try to flatter anyone.
22 For if I tried flattery, my Creator would soon destroy me.
The New Living Translation (NLT)
The New Living Translation (NLT) is a modern English translation of the Bible that aims to make the Scriptures accessible and engaging for contemporary readers. First published in 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, the NLT was conceived as an effort to create a translation that combines both accuracy and readability. Unlike many other translations that focus on a word-for-word rendering of the original texts, the NLT employs a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, also known as dynamic equivalence. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and message of the original texts in a way that is natural and understandable in modern English.
One of the defining features of the NLT is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators, a team of over 90 evangelical scholars, aimed to create a text that would be approachable for a wide audience, including those who may find traditional translations challenging to read. The NLT’s language is contemporary and conversational, making it particularly effective for public reading, teaching, and personal study. This emphasis on readability helps ensure that the profound messages of the Bible are easily grasped and retained by readers from various backgrounds and levels of biblical knowledge.
The NLT also incorporates a rich array of study aids designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These include book introductions, footnotes, cross-references, and explanatory notes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. These features are particularly useful for readers who seek a deeper comprehension of the Scriptures and their application to modern life. The translation also includes clear and concise headings that help guide readers through the narrative and thematic structure of each book, making it easier to follow and comprehend the overall message.
Despite its many strengths, the New Living Translation has faced some criticism, particularly from those who favor more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while making the text more readable, can sometimes result in a loss of the precise nuances and literary qualities of the original languages. Some scholars believe that certain theological concepts might be oversimplified in the process of making the text more accessible. Nevertheless, the NLT remains one of the most popular and widely used translations today, valued for its readability, clarity, and ability to convey the timeless truths of the Bible in a way that resonates with contemporary readers.