« | Proverbs 2 | » |
1 My son, pay attention to what I say. Remember my commands.
2 Listen to wisdom, and do your best to understand.
3 Ask for good judgment. Cry out for understanding.
4 Look for wisdom like silver. Search for it like hidden treasure.
5 If you do this, you will understand what it means to respect the Lord, and you will come to know God.
6 The Lord is the source of wisdom; knowledge and understanding come from his mouth.
7 He gives good advice to honest people and shields those who do what is right.
8 He makes sure that people are treated fairly. He watches over his loyal followers.
9 If you listen to him, you will understand what is just and fair and how to do what is right.
10 You will gain wisdom, and knowledge will bring you joy.
11 Planning ahead will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
12 These will keep you from following the wrong path and will protect you from those who have evil plans.
13 Such people have left the straight path and now walk in darkness.
14 They enjoy doing evil and are happy with the confusion it brings.
15 Their ways are crooked; they lie and cheat.
16 Wisdom will save you from that other woman, another man's wife, who tempts you with sweet words.
17 She married when she was young, but then she left her husband. She forgot the marriage vows she made before God.
18 Going into her house leads to death. She will lead you to the grave.
19 All who enter lose their life and never return.
20 Wisdom will help you follow the example of good people and stay on the right path.
21 Honest people will live in the land, and those who do right will remain there.
22 But the wicked will be forced to leave. Those who lie and cheat will be thrown out of the land.
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.