« | Job 5 | » |
1 "Job, call out if you want, and see if anyone answers! But to which of the angels will you turn?
2 A fool's anger will kill him. His jealousy will destroy him.
3 I saw a fool who thought he was safe, but suddenly he died.
4 There was no one to help his children. No one defended them in court.
5 Hungry people ate all his crops, even the grain growing among the thorns, and greedy people took all he had.
6 Bad times don't come up from the dirt. Trouble does not grow from the ground.
7 But people are born to have trouble, as surely as sparks rise from a fire.
8 If I were you, I would turn to God and tell him about my problems.
9 People cannot understand the wonderful things God does. His miracles are too many to count.
10 He sends rain all over the earth and waters the fields.
11 He raises up the humble and makes sad people happy.
12 He spoils the plans of even the smartest people so that they will not succeed.
13 He catches those who think they are wise in their own clever traps and brings to an end their evil plans.
14 Daylight will be like darkness for them. Even at noon they will have to feel their way as in the dark.
15 God saves the poor from the hurtful words of the wicked. He saves them from those who are powerful.
16 So the poor have hope; God shuts the mouths of those who would cause them harm.
17 "You are fortunate when God corrects you. So don't complain when God All-Powerful punishes you.
18 God might injure you, but he will bandage those wounds. He might hurt you, but his hands also heal.
19 He will save you again and again. No evil will harm you.
20 God will save you from death when there is famine. He will protect you from the sword when there is war.
21 People might say bad things about you with their sharp tongues. But God will protect you. You will not be afraid when bad things happen!
22 You will laugh at destruction and famine. You will not be afraid of wild animals!
23 It is as if you have a peace treaty with the wild animals and the rocks in the field.
24 You will live in peace because your tent is safe. You will count your property and find nothing missing.
25 You will have many children. They will be as many as the blades of grass on the earth.
26 You will be like the wheat that grows until harvest time. Yes, you will live to a ripe old age.
27 "We have studied this and know it is true. So listen to us, and learn for yourself."
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.