« | Proverbs 4 | » |
1 Children, listen to your father's teaching. Pay attention and you will learn how to learn.
2 The advice I give is good, so don't ever forget what I teach you.
3 When I was my father's little boy and my mother's dear son,
4 my father taught me this: "Pay attention to what I say. Obey my commands and you will have a good life.
5 Try to get wisdom and understanding. Don't forget my teaching or ignore what I say.
6 Don't turn away from wisdom, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will keep you safe.
7 "The first step to becoming wise is to look for wisdom, so use everything you have to get understanding.
8 Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Hold on to wisdom, and she will bring you honor.
9 Wisdom will reward you with a crown of honor and glory."
10 Son, listen to me. Do what I say, and you will live a long time.
11 I am teaching you about wisdom and guiding you on the right path.
12 As you walk on it, you will not step into a trap. Even if you run, you will not trip and fall.
13 Always remember this teaching. Don't forget it. It is the key to life, so guard it well.
14 Don't take the path of the wicked; don't follow those who do evil.
15 Stay away from that path; don't even go near it. Turn around and go another way.
16 The wicked cannot sleep until they have done something evil. They will not rest until they bring someone down.
17 Evil and violence are their food and drink.
18 The path of those who live right is like the early morning light. It gets brighter and brighter until the full light of day.
19 But the path of the wicked is like a dark night. They trip and fall over what they cannot see.
20 My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words.
21 Don't let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them.
22 These words are the secret of life and health to all who discover them.
23 Above all, be careful what you think because your thoughts control your life.
24 Don't bend the truth or say things that you know are not right.
25 Keep your eyes on the path, and look straight ahead.
26 Make sure you are going the right way, and nothing will make you fall.
27 Don't go to the right or to the left, and you will stay away from evil.
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.