« | Psalm 10 | » |
1 Why are you so far away, O LORD? Why do you hide yourself when we are in trouble?
2 The wicked are proud and persecute the poor; catch them in the traps they have made.
3 The wicked are proud of their evil desires; the greedy curse and reject the LORD.
4 The wicked do not care about the LORD; in their pride they think that God doesn't matter.
5 The wicked succeed in everything. They cannot understand God's judgments; they sneer at their enemies.
6 They say to themselves, "We will never fail; we will never be in trouble."
7 Their speech is filled with curses, lies, and threats; they are quick to speak hateful, evil words.
8 They hide themselves in the villages, waiting to murder innocent people. They spy on their helpless victims;
9 they wait in their hiding place like lions. They lie in wait for the poor; they catch them in their traps and drag them away.
10 The helpless victims lie crushed; brute strength has defeated them.
11 The wicked say to themselves, "God doesn't care! He has closed his eyes and will never see me!"
12 O LORD, punish those wicked people! Remember those who are suffering!
13 How can the wicked despise God and say to themselves, "He will not punish me"?
14 But you do see; you take notice of trouble and suffering and are always ready to help. The helpless commit themselves to you; you have always helped the needy.
15 Break the power of wicked and evil people; punish them for the wrong they have done until they do it no more.
16 The LORD is king forever and ever. Those who worship other gods will vanish from his land.
17 You will listen, O LORD, to the prayers of the lowly; you will give them courage.
18 You will hear the cries of the oppressed and the orphans; you will judge in their favor, so that mortal men may cause terror no more.
The Good News Bible (GNB)
The Good News Bible (GNB), also known as the Good News Translation (GNT) in the United States, is an English translation of the Bible that prioritizes readability and accessibility for a diverse audience. First published in 1966 by the American Bible Society, the GNB was originally designed as a translation for people with limited English proficiency, including non-native speakers and those with lower literacy levels. Its straightforward and contemporary language makes it particularly effective for use in educational settings, churches, and personal study.
One of the hallmark features of the Good News Bible is its dynamic equivalence translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the thought and meaning of the original texts rather than adhering strictly to a word-for-word approach. This allows the translators to use idiomatic expressions and familiar language that resonate with modern readers. The GNB aims to present the Bible in a way that is relatable and engaging, making it easier for readers to connect with the biblical stories and teachings without getting bogged down by archaic language or complex theological terminology.
In addition to its clear language, the Good News Bible includes helpful illustrations, maps, and notes that enhance the reader’s understanding of the text. The translation is structured to facilitate comprehension, often breaking up longer passages into shorter paragraphs and sections. This visual organization aids readers in navigating the biblical narrative and understanding the context of various stories and teachings. The GNB also includes helpful footnotes that provide additional information and insights into specific verses, making it a valuable resource for study and reflection.
Despite its strengths, the Good News Bible has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can lead to a loss of nuance and depth present in the original languages. Additionally, some readers express concern that the GNB’s simplified language may not adequately convey the richness of the biblical text. However, the Good News Bible remains a widely used and appreciated translation, particularly for its commitment to making the scriptures accessible to all, allowing readers from various backgrounds to engage with and understand the timeless messages of the Bible.