« | Proverbs 31 |
1 These are the wise sayings that King Lemuel's mother taught him:
2 I prayed for a son, and you are the son I gave birth to.
3 Don't waste your strength on women. Women destroy kings, so don't waste yourself on them.
4 Lemuel, it is not wise for kings to drink wine. It is not wise for rulers to want beer.
5 They may drink too much and forget what the law says. Then they might take away the rights of the poor.
6 Give beer to people without hope. Give wine to those who are in trouble.
7 Let them drink to forget their troubles. Let them forget they are poor.
8 Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble.
9 Stand up for what you know is right, and judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.
10 How hard it is to find the perfect wife She is worth far more than jewels.
11 Her husband depends on her. He will never be poor.
12 She does good for her husband all her life. She never causes him trouble.
13 She is always gathering wool and flax and enjoys making things with her hands.
14 She is like a ship from a faraway place. She brings home food from everywhere.
15 She wakes up early in the morning, cooks food for her family, and gives the servants their share.
16 She looks at land and buys it. She uses the money she has earned and plants a vineyard.
17 She works very hard. She is strong and able to do all her work.
18 She works late into the night to make sure her business earns a profit.
19 She makes her own thread and weaves her own cloth.
20 She always gives to the poor and helps those who need it.
21 She does not worry about her family when it snows. She has given them all good, warm clothes.
22 She makes sheets and spreads for the beds, and she wears clothes of fine linen.
23 Her husband is a respected member of the city council, where he meets with the other leaders.
24 She makes clothes and belts and sells them to the merchants.
25 She is a strong person, and people respect her. She looks to the future with confidence.
26 She speaks with wisdom and teaches others to be loving and kind.
27 She oversees the care of her house. She is never lazy.
28 Her children say good things about her. Her husband brags about her and says,
29 "There are many good women, but you are the best."
30 Grace and beauty can fool you, but a woman who respects the Lord should be praised.
31 Give her the reward she deserves. Praise her in public for what she has done.
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.