« | Proverbs 21 | » |
1 Like a stream is the king's heart in the hand of the LORD; wherever it pleases him, he directs it.
2 All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the LORD who proves hearts.
3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart-- the tillage of the wicked is sin.
5 The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty.
6 He who makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares.
7 The oppression of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is right.
8 The way of the culprit is crooked, but the conduct of the innocent is right.
9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than in a roomy house with a quarrelsome woman.
10 The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes.
11 When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin.
13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.
14 A secret gift allays anger, and a concealed present, violent wrath.
15 To practice justice is a joy for the just, but terror for evildoers.
16 The man who strays from the way of good sense will abide in the assembly of the shades.
17 He who loves pleasure will suffer want; he who loves wine and perfume will not be rich.
18 The wicked man serves as ransom for the just, and the faithless man for the righteous.
19 It is better to dwell in a wilderness than with a quarrelsome and vexatious wife.
20 Precious treasure remains in the house of the wise, but the fool consumes it.
21 He who pursues justice and kindness will find life and honor.
22 The wise man storms a city of the mighty, and overthrows the stronghold in which it trusts.
23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from trouble.
24 Arrogant is the name for the man of overbearing pride who acts with scornful effrontery.
25 The sluggard's propensity slays him, for his hands refuse to work.
26 Some are consumed with avarice all the day, but the just man gives unsparingly.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination, the more so when they offer it with a bad intention.
28 The false witness will perish, but he who listens will finally have his say.
29 The wicked man is brazenfaced, but the upright man pays heed to his ways.
30 There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, against the LORD.
31 The horse is equipped for the day of battle, but victory is the LORD'S.
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU)
The New American Standard Updated Version (NASU) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible known for its rigorous adherence to the original languages of Scripture. First published in 1995 by the Lockman Foundation, the NASU is an update of the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which was originally completed in 1971. The NASU seeks to improve upon the NASB by enhancing readability and modernizing the language while maintaining the translation’s reputation for being one of the most literal translations available. This makes the NASU a preferred choice for serious Bible study, preaching, and teaching.
A key feature of the NASU is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation philosophy. The translators aimed to produce a text that is as close as possible to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This approach ensures that the NASU captures the precise meaning and structure of the original texts, providing readers with a highly accurate and reliable representation of the Scriptures. The use of formal equivalence makes the NASU particularly valuable for those who desire a deep and detailed understanding of the Bible, including scholars, theologians, and students of the Word.
In updating the NASB, the NASU made several important changes to improve clarity and readability. While maintaining the accuracy and literalness of the translation, the NASU incorporates modern English expressions and smoother sentence structures. This makes the text more accessible to contemporary readers without compromising the precision that the NASB is known for. The NASU also includes updated cross-references and footnotes, which provide additional context and insights, further aiding in the study and understanding of the biblical text.
Despite its many strengths, the NASU has faced some criticism. Some readers and scholars argue that the translation’s emphasis on literalness can sometimes result in a text that feels stiff or less fluid than more dynamic translations. Additionally, while the NASU’s updated language makes it more accessible, some feel that it could go further in adapting to contemporary usage without losing its accuracy. Nevertheless, the New American Standard Updated Version remains a highly esteemed translation, valued for its fidelity to the original texts and its usefulness for in-depth study and precise interpretation of the Bible.