« | Proverbs 3 | » |
1 My son, forget not my teaching, keep in mind my commands;
2 For many days, and years of life, and peace, will they bring you.
3 Let not kindness and fidelity leave you; bind them around your neck;
4 Then will you win favor and good esteem before God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not;
6 In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the LORD and turn away from evil;
8 This will mean health for your flesh and vigor for your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce;
10 Then will your barns be filled with grain, with new wine your vats will overflow.
11 The discipline of the LORD, my son, disdain not; spurn not his reproof;
12 For whom the LORD loves he reproves, and he chastises the son he favors.
13 Happy the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding!
14 For her profit is better than profit in silver, and better than gold is her revenue;
15 She is more precious than corals, and none of your choice possessions can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honor;
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace;
18 She is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and he is happy who holds her fast.
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth, established the heavens by understanding;
20 By his knowledge the depths break open, and the clouds drop down dew.
21 My son, let not these slip out of your sight: keep advice and counsel in view;
22 So will they be life to your soul, and an adornment for your neck.
23 Then you may securely go your way; your foot will never stumble;
24 When you lie down, you need not be afraid, when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden terror, of the ruin of the wicked when it comes;
26 For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from the snare.
27 Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him.
28 Say not to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give," when you can give at once.
29 Plot no evil against your neighbor, against him who lives at peace with you.
30 Quarrel not with a man without cause, with one who has done you no harm.
31 Envy not the lawless man and choose none of his ways:
32 To the LORD the perverse man is an abomination, but with the upright is his friendship.
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but the dwelling of the just he blesses;
34 When he is dealing with the arrogant, he is stern, but to the humble he shows kindness.
35 Honor is the possession of wise men, but fools inherit shame.
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.