« | Proverbs 5 | » |
1 Son, listen to this piece of wisdom from me. Pay attention to what I know to be true.
2 Remember to live wisely, and what you learn will keep your lips from saying the wrong thing.
3 Now, another man's wife might be very charming, and the words from her lips so sweet and inviting.
4 But in the end, she will bring only bitterness and pain. It will be like bitter poison and a sharp sword.
5 She is on a path leading to death, and she will lead you straight to the grave.
6 Don't follow her. She has lost her way and does not even know it. Be careful. Stay on the road that leads to life.
7 Now, my sons, listen to me. Don't forget the words I say.
8 Stay away from the woman who commits adultery. Don't even go near her house.
9 If you do, others will get the honor you should have had. Some stranger will get everything you worked years to get.
10 People you don't know will take all your wealth. Others will get what you worked for.
11 At the end of your life, you will be sad that you ruined your health and lost everything you had.
12 Then you will say, "Why didn't I listen to my parents? Why didn't I pay attention to my teachers? I didn't want to be disciplined. I refused to be corrected.
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14 So now I have suffered through just about every kind of trouble anyone can have, and everyone knows it."
15 Now, about sex and marriage: Drink only the water that comes from your own well,
16 and don't let your water flow out into the streets.
17 Keep it for yourself, and don't share it with strangers.
18 Be happy with your own wife. Enjoy the woman you married while you were young.
19 She is like a beautiful deer, a lovely fawn. Let her love satisfy you completely. Stay drunk on her love,
20 and don't go stumbling into the arms of another woman.
21 The Lord clearly sees everything you do. He watches where you go.
22 The sins of the wicked will trap them. Those sins will be like ropes holding them back.
23 Evil people will die because they refuse to be disciplined. They will be trapped by their own desires.
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.