« | Job 6 | » |
1 Then Job spoke again:
2 "If my misery could be weighed and my troubles be put on the scales,
3 they would outweigh all the sands of the sea. That is why I spoke impulsively.
4 For the Almighty has struck me down with his arrows. Their poison infects my spirit. God's terrors are lined up against me.
5 Don't I have a right to complain? Don't wild donkeys bray when they find no grass, and oxen bellow when they have no food?
6 Don't people complain about unsalted food? Does anyone want the tasteless white of an egg?
7 My appetite disappears when I look at it; I gag at the thought of eating it!
8 "Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant my desire.
9 I wish he would crush me. I wish he would reach out his hand and kill me.
10 At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One.
11 But I don't have the strength to endure. I have nothing to live for.
12 Do I have the strength of a stone? Is my body made of bronze?
13 No, I am utterly helpless, without any chance of success.
14 "One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.
15 My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook that overflows its banks in the spring
16 when it is swollen with ice and melting snow.
17 But when the hot weather arrives, the water disappears. The brook vanishes in the heat.
18 The caravans turn aside to be refreshed, but there is nothing to drink, so they die.
19 The caravans from Tema search for this water; the travelers from Sheba hope to find it.
20 They count on it but are disappointed. When they arrive, their hopes are dashed.
21 You, too, have given no help. You have seen my calamity, and you are afraid.
22 But why? Have I ever asked you for a gift? Have I begged for anything of yours for myself?
23 Have I asked you to rescue me from my enemies, or to save me from ruthless people?
24 Teach me, and I will keep quiet. Show me what I have done wrong.
25 Honest words can be painful, but what do your criticisms amount to?
26 Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?
27 You would even send an orphan into slavery or sell a friend.
28 Look at me! Would I lie to your face?
29 Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong.
30 Do you think I am lying? Don't I know the difference between right and wrong?
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.