« | Proverbs 25 | » |
1 These also are proverbs of Solomon. The men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, transmitted them.
2 God has glory in what he conceals, kings have glory in what they fathom.
3 As the heavens in height, and the earth in depth, the heart of kings is unfathomable.
4 Remove the dross from silver, and it comes forth perfectly purified;
5 Remove the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne is made firm through righteousness.
6 Claim no honor in the king's presence, nor occupy the place of great men;
7 For it is better that you be told, "Come up closer!" than that you be humbled before the prince.
8 What your eyes have seen bring not forth hastily against an opponent; For what will you do later on when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Discuss your case with your neighbor, but another man's secret do not disclose;
10 Lest, hearing it, he reproach you, and your ill repute cease not.
11 Like golden apples in silver settings are words spoken at the proper time.
12 Like a golden earring, or a necklace of fine gold, is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
13 Like the coolness of snow in the heat of the harvest is a faithful messenger for the one who sends him. (He refreshes the soul of his master.)
14 Like clouds and wind when no rain follows is the man who boastfully promises what he never gives.
15 By patience is a ruler persuaded, and a soft tongue will break a bone.
16 If you find honey, eat only what you need, lest you become glutted with it and vomit it up.
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest he have more than enough of you, and hate you.
18 Like a club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow, is the man who bears false witness against his neighbor.
19 Like an infected tooth or an unsteady foot is (dependence on) a faithless man in time of trouble.
20 Like a moth in clothing, or a maggot in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart.
21 If your enemy be hungry, give him food to eat, if he be thirsty, give him to drink;
22 For live coals you will heap on his head, and the LORD will vindicate you.
23 The north wind brings rain, and a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
24 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than in a roomy house with a quarrelsome woman.
25 Like cool water to one faint from thirst is good news from a far country.
26 Like a troubled fountain or a polluted spring is a just man who gives way before the wicked.
27 To eat too much honey is not good; nor to seek honor after honor.
28 Like an open city with no defenses is the man with no check on his feelings.
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.