« | Job 9 | » |
1 Then Job answered:
2 "Of course, I know that this is true. But how can a human being win an argument with God?
3 Anyone who chose to argue with him could not answer one question in a thousand!
4 God is so wise and powerful that no one could oppose him and survive.
5 When God is angry, he moves mountains before they know what happened.
6 He can shake the earth, and it will tremble down to its foundations.
7 With one command he can stop the sun from rising. He can lock up the stars and keep them from shining.
8 He alone made the skies, and he walks on the ocean waves.
9 "God made the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades. He made the planets that cross the southern sky.
10 He does things too marvelous for people to understand. He does too many miracles to count!
11 When he passes by, I cannot see him. He goes right past me, and I don't notice.
12 If he takes something away, no one can stop him. No one can say to him, 'What are you doing?'
13 God will not hold back his anger. Even Rahab's helpers are afraid of him.
14 So I cannot argue with God. I would not know what to say to him.
15 I am innocent, but I cannot give him an answer. All I can do is beg my Judge for mercy.
16 Even if I called and he answered, I cannot believe he would listen to me.
17 He would just send storms to crush me. He would give me more wounds for no reason.
18 He would not let me catch my breath again. He would just give me more trouble.
19 I cannot defeat God. He is too powerful! I cannot take him to court for justice. Who could force him to come?
20 I am innocent, but anything I say makes me seem guilty. I am innocent, but if I speak, my mouth proves me wrong.
21 I am innocent, but I don't know what to think. I hate my own life.
22 So I say, 'Does it make any difference? God destroys the innocent as well as the guilty.'
23 Does God just laugh when a disaster kills innocent people?
24 Is it God who keeps the leaders from seeing when an evil person takes control? If it is not God, then who is it?
25 "My days are passing faster than a runner. They are flying by without any joy.
26 They go by as quickly as papyrus boats, as fast as an eagle swooping down on its prey.
27 "I could say, 'I will not complain. I will forget my pain and put a smile on my face.'
28 But the suffering still frightens me. I know that God will not see me as innocent.
29 I will be found guilty, so why should I even think about it?
30 Even if I scrubbed my hands with soap and washed myself whiter than snow,
31 God would still push me into the slime pit, and even my clothes would hate to touch me.
32 God is not a human like me, so I cannot argue with him. I cannot take him to court.
33 I wish there were someone who could listen to both sides, someone to judge both of us in a fair way.
34 I wish someone could take away the threat of God's punishment. Then he would not frighten me anymore.
35 Then I could say what I want without being afraid of him. But I cannot do that now.
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.