« | Job 34 | » |
1 You men are so wise, so clever; listen now to what I am saying.
2 (SEE 34:1)
3 You know good food when you taste it, but not wise words when you hear them.
4 It is up to us to decide the case.
5 Job claims that he is innocent, that God refuses to give him justice.
6 He asks, "How could I lie and say I am wrong? I am fatally wounded, but I am sinless."
7 Have you ever seen anyone like this man Job? He never shows respect for God.
8 He likes the company of evil people and goes around with sinners.
9 He says that it never does any good to try to follow God's will.
10 Listen to me, you men who understand! Will Almighty God do what is wrong?
11 He rewards people for what they do and treats them as they deserve.
12 Almighty God does not do evil; he is never unjust to anyone.
13 Did God get his power from someone else? Did someone put him in charge of the world?
14 If God took back the breath of life,
15 then everyone living would die and turn into dust again.
16 Now listen to me, if you are wise.
17 Are you condemning the righteous God? Do you think that he hates justice?
18 God condemns kings and rulers when they are worthless or wicked.
19 He does not take the side of rulers nor favor the rich over the poor, for he created everyone.
20 We may suddenly die at night. God strikes us down and we perish; he kills the mighty with no effort at all.
21 He watches every step we take.
22 There is no darkness dark enough to hide a sinner from God.
23 God does not need to set a time for us to go and be judged by him.
24 He does not need an investigation to remove leaders and replace them with others.
25 Because he knows what they do; he overthrows them and crushes them by night.
26 He punishes sinners where all can see it,
27 because they have stopped following him and ignored all his commands.
28 They forced the poor to cry out to God, and he heard their calls for help.
29 If God decided to do nothing at all, no one could criticize him. If he hid his face, we would be helpless.
30 There would be nothing that nations could do to keep godless oppressors from ruling them.
31 Job, have you confessed your sins to God and promised not to sin again?
32 Have you asked God to show you your faults, and have you agreed to stop doing evil?
33 Since you object to what God does, can you expect him to do what you want? The decision is yours, not mine; tell us now what you think.
34 Any sensible person will surely agree; and the wise who hear me will say
35 that Job is speaking from ignorance and that nothing he says makes sense.
36 Think through everything that Job says; you will see that he talks like an evil man.
37 To his sins he adds rebellion; in front of us all he mocks God.
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.