« | Proverbs 8 | » |
1 Listen, Wisdom is calling. Yes, Understanding is shouting for us.
2 Wisdom stands at the top of the hill, by the road where the paths meet.
3 She is near the entrance to the city, calling from the open gates.
4 "I am calling out to all of you. I am speaking to everyone.
5 You who are ignorant, learn to be wise. You who are foolish, get some common sense.
6 Listen, I have something important to say, and I am telling you what is right.
7 My words are true, and I will not say anything that is wrong.
8 Everything I say is right; there is nothing false or crooked about it.
9 These things are clear to any intelligent person. They are right to anyone with knowledge.
10 Choose discipline over silver and knowledge over the finest gold.
11 Wisdom is better than pearls, and nothing you desire compares with her.
12 "I am Wisdom. I live with Good Judgment. I am at home with Knowledge and Planning.
13 To respect the Lord means to hate evil. I hate pride and boasting, evil lives and hurtful words.
14 I have good advice and common sense to offer. I have understanding and power.
15 With my help kings rule, and governors make good laws.
16 With my help leaders govern, and important officials make good decisions.
17 I love those who love me, and those who look for me will find me.
18 With me there are riches and honor. I have lasting wealth to give to you.
19 What I give is better than fine gold. What I produce is better than pure silver.
20 I lead people the right way— along the paths of justice.
21 I give riches to those who love me, and I fill their houses with treasures.
22 "The Lord made me in the beginning, long before he did anything else.
23 I was formed a long time ago, before the world was made.
24 I was born before there was an ocean, before the springs began to flow.
25 I was born before the mountains and hills were set into place,
26 before the earth and fields were made, before the dust of this world was formed.
27 I was there when the Lord set up the skies, when he drew a circle in the ocean to make a place for the land.
28 I was there when he put the clouds in the sky and made the deep springs flow.
29 I was there when he set the limits on the sea to make it stop where he said. I was there when he laid the foundations of the earth.
30 I grew up as a child by his side, laughing and playing all the time.
31 I played in the world he made and enjoyed the people he put there.
32 "Now, children, listen to me. If you follow my ways, you will be happy too.
33 Listen to my teaching and be wise; don't ignore what I say.
34 Whoever waits at my door and listens for me will be blessed.
35 Those who find me find life, and the Lord will reward them.
36 But those who do not find me put their lives in danger. Whoever hates me loves death."
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.