« | Job 4 | » |
1 Job, will you be annoyed if I speak? I can't keep quiet any longer.
2 (SEE 4:1)
3 You have taught many people and given strength to feeble hands.
4 When someone stumbled, weak and tired, your words encouraged him to stand.
5 Now it's your turn to be in trouble, and you are too stunned to face it.
6 You worshiped God, and your life was blameless; and so you should have confidence and hope.
7 Think back now. Name a single case where someone righteous met with disaster.
8 I have seen people plow fields of evil and plant wickedness like seed; now they harvest wickedness and evil.
9 Like a storm, God destroys them in his anger.
10 The wicked roar and growl like lions, but God silences them and breaks their teeth.
11 Like lions with nothing to kill and eat, they die, and all their children are scattered.
12 Once a message came quietly, so quietly I could hardly hear it.
13 Like a nightmare it disturbed my sleep.
14 I trembled and shuddered; my whole body shook with fear.
15 A light breeze touched my face, and my skin crawled with fright.
16 I could see something standing there; I stared, but couldn't tell what it was. Then I heard a voice out of the silence:
17 "Can anyone be righteous in the sight of God or be pure before his Creator?
18 God does not trust his heavenly servants; he finds fault even with his angels.
19 Do you think he will trust a creature of clay, a thing of dust that can be crushed like a moth?
20 We may be alive in the morning, but die unnoticed before evening comes.
21 All that we have is taken away; we die, still lacking wisdom."
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.