« | Proverbs 16 | » |
1 We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.
2 People may be pure in their own eyes, but the LORD examines their motives.
3 Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.
4 The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The LORD detests the proud; they will surely be punished.
6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the LORD, people avoid evil.
7 When people's lives please the LORD, even their enemies are at peace with them.
8 Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest.
9 We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.
10 The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly.
11 The LORD demands accurate scales and balances; he sets the standards for fairness.
12 A king detests wrongdoing, for his rule is built on justice.
13 The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly.
14 The anger of the king is a deadly threat; the wise will try to appease it.
15 When the king smiles, there is life; his favor refreshes like a spring rain.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
17 The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
19 Better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.
21 The wise are known for their understanding, and pleasant words are persuasive.
22 Discretion is a life-giving fountain to those who possess it, but discipline is wasted on fools.
23 From a wise mind comes wise speech; the words of the wise are persuasive.
24 Kind words are like honey-- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.
25 There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
26 It is good for workers to have an appetite; an empty stomach drives them on.
27 Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze.
28 A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
29 Violent people mislead their companions, leading them down a harmful path.
30 With narrowed eyes, people plot evil; with a smirk, they plan their mischief.
31 Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.
33 We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.
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.