« | Proverbs 28 | » |
1 The wicked man flees although no one pursues him; but the just man, like a lion, feels sure of himself.
2 If a land is rebellious, its princes will be many; but with a prudent man it knows security.
3 A rich man who oppresses the poor is like a devastating rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who abandon the law praise the wicked man, but those who keep the law war against him.
5 Evil men understand nothing of justice, but those who seek the LORD understand all.
6 Better a poor man who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked in his ways and rich.
7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but the gluttons' companion disgraces his father.
8 He who increases his wealth by interest and overcharge gathers it for him who is kind to the poor.
9 When one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 He who seduces the upright into an evil way will himself fall into his own pit. (And blameless men will gain prosperity.)
11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who is intelligent sees through him.
12 When the just are triumphant, there is great jubilation; but when the wicked gain preeminence, people hide.
13 He who conceals his sins prospers not, but he who confesses and forsakes them obtains mercy.
14 Happy the man who is always on his guard; but he who hardens his heart will fall into evil.
15 Like a roaring lion or a ravenous bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 The less prudent the prince, the more his deeds oppress. He who hates ill-gotten gain prolongs his days.
17 Though a man burdened with human blood were to flee to the grave, none should support him.
18 He who walks uprightly is safe, but he whose ways are crooked falls into the pit.
19 He who cultivates his land will have plenty of food, but from idle pursuits a man has his fill of poverty.
20 The trustworthy man will be richly blessed; he who is in haste to grow rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is never good: for even a morsel of bread a man may do wrong.
22 The avaricious man is perturbed about his wealth, and he knows not when want will come upon him.
23 He who rebukes a man gets more thanks in the end than one with a flattering tongue.
24 He who defrauds father or mother and calls it no sin, is a partner of the brigand.
25 The greedy man stirs up disputes, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper.
26 He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is safe.
27 He who gives to the poor suffers no want, but he who ignores them gets many a curse.
28 When the wicked gain pre-eminence, other men hide; but at their fall the just flourish.
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.