« | Psalm 101 | » |
1 A song of David. I will sing about love and justice. Lord, I will sing to you.
2 I will be careful to live a pure life. I will live in my house with complete honesty. When will you come to me?
3 I will not even look at anything shameful. I hate all wrongdoing. I want no part of it!
4 I will not be involved in anything dishonest. I will have nothing to do with evil.
5 I will stop anyone who secretly says bad things about a neighbor. I will not allow people to be proud and think they are better than others.
6 I will look throughout the land for those who can be trusted. Only such people can live with me. Only those who live pure lives can be my servants.
7 I will never let a dishonest person live in my house. I will not let liars stay near me.
8 My goal each day will be to destroy the wicked living in our land. I will force all who do evil to leave the city of the Lord.
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.