« | Proverbs 26 | » |
1 Just as snow should not fall in summer, nor rain at harvest time, so people should not honor a fool.
2 Don't worry when someone curses you for no reason. Nothing bad will happen. Such words are like birds that fly past and never stop.
3 You have to whip a horse, you have to put a bridle on a mule, and you have to beat a fool.
4 There is no good way to answer fools when they say something stupid. If you answer them, then you, too, will look like a fool. If you don't answer them, they will think they are smart.
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6 Never let a fool carry your message. If you do, it will be like cutting off your own feet. You are only asking for trouble.
7 A fool trying to say something wise is like a crippled person trying to walk.
8 Showing honor to a fool is as bad as tying a rock in a sling.
9 A fool trying to say something wise is like a drunk trying to pick a thorn out of his hand.
10 Hiring a fool or a stranger who is just passing by is dangerous—you don't know who might get hurt.
11 Like a dog that returns to its vomit, a fool does the same foolish things again and again.
12 People who think they are wise when they are not are worse than fools.
13 A person who is lazy and wants to stay home says, "What if there is a lion out there? Really, there might be a lion in the street!"
14 Like a door on its hinges, a lazy man turns back and forth on his bed.
15 Lazy people are too lazy to lift the food from their plate to their mouth.
16 Lazy people think they are seven times smarter than the people who really have good sense.
17 To step between two people arguing is as foolish as going out into the street and grabbing a stray dog by the ears.
18 Anyone who would trick someone and then say, "I was only joking" is like a fool who shoots flaming arrows into the air and accidentally kills someone.
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20 Without wood, a fire goes out. Without gossip, arguments stop.
21 Charcoal keeps the coals glowing, wood keeps the fire burning, and troublemakers keep arguments alive.
22 People love to hear gossip. It is like tasty food on its way to the stomach.
23 Good words that hide an evil heart are like silver paint over a cheap, clay pot.
24 Evil people say things to make themselves look good, but they keep their evil plans a secret.
25 What they say sounds good, but don't trust them. They are full of evil ideas.
26 They hide their evil plans with nice words, but in the end, everyone will see the evil they do.
27 Whoever digs a pit can fall into it. Whoever rolls a large stone can be crushed by it.
28 Liars hate the people they hurt, and false praise can hurt people.
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.