« | Proverbs 7 | » |
1 My son, remember my words. Don't forget what I have told you.
2 Consider my teaching as precious as your own eyes. Obey my commands, and you will have a good life.
3 Tie them around your finger. Write them on your heart.
4 Treat wisdom like the woman you love and knowledge like the one dearest to you.
5 Wisdom will save you from that other woman, the other man's wife, who tempts you with such sweet words.
6 One day I was looking out my window
7 at some foolish teenagers and noticed one who had no sense at all.
8 He was walking through the marketplace and came to the corner where a certain woman lived. He then turned up the road that goes by her house.
9 The day was ending. The sun had set, and it was almost dark.
10 Suddenly, there she was in front of him, dressed like a prostitute. She had plans for him.
11 She was a wild and rebellious woman who would not stay at home.
12 She walked the streets, always looking for someone to trap.
13 She grabbed the young man and kissed him. Without shame, she looked him in the eye and said,
14 "I offered a fellowship offering today. I gave what I promised to give,
15 and I still have plenty of food left. So I came out to find you, and here you are!
16 I have clean sheets on my bed—special ones from Egypt.
17 My bed smells wonderful with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let's enjoy ourselves all night. We can make love until dawn.
19 My husband has gone on a business trip.
20 He took enough money for a long trip and won't be home for two weeks. "
21 This is what the woman said to tempt the young man, and her smooth words tricked him.
22 He followed her, like a bull being led to the slaughter. He was like a deer walking into a trap,
23 where a hunter waits to shoot an arrow through its heart. The boy was like a bird flying into a net, never seeing the danger he was in.
24 Now, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to what I say.
25 Don't let your heart lead you to an evil woman like that. Don't go where she wants to lead you.
26 She has brought down some of the most powerful men; she has left many dead bodies in her path.
27 Her house is the place of death. The road to it leads straight to the grave.
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.