« | Psalm 10 | » |
1 Lord, why do you stay so far away? Why do you hide from people in times of trouble?
2 The wicked are proud and make evil plans to hurt the poor, who are caught in their traps and made to suffer.
3 Those greedy people brag about the things they want to get. They curse the Lord and show that they hate him.
4 The wicked are too proud to ask God for help. He does not fit into their plans.
5 They succeed in everything they do. They don't understand how you can judge them. They make fun of all their enemies.
6 They say to themselves, "Nothing bad will ever happen to us. We will have our fun and never be punished."
7 They are always cursing, lying, and planning evil things to do.
8 They hide just outside the villages, waiting to kill innocent people, always looking for any helpless person they can hurt.
9 They are like lions hiding in the bushes to catch weak and helpless animals. They lay their traps for the poor, who are caught in their nets.
10 Again and again they hurt people who are already weak and suffering.
11 They say to themselves, "God has forgotten about us. He is not watching. He will never see what we are doing."
12 Lord, get up and do something. Punish those who are wicked, God. Don't forget those who are poor and helpless.
13 The wicked turn against God because they think he will not punish them.
14 But, Lord, you do see the pain and suffering they cause. You see it, so punish them. Those who were left helpless put their trust in you. After all, you are the one who cares for orphans.
15 Break the arms of those who are wicked and evil. Punish them for the evil they have done, and stop them from doing any more.
16 Lord, you are King forever and ever, so I know you will remove the wicked nations from your land.
17 Lord, you have heard what the poor want. Listen to their prayers, and do what they ask.
18 Protect the orphans and those who have been hurt. Don't let powerful people drive us from our land!
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.