« | Psalm 141 | » |
1 A praise song of David. Lord, I call to you for help. Listen to me as I pray. Please hurry and help me!
2 Accept my prayer like a gift of burning incense, the words I lift up like an evening sacrifice.
3 Lord, help me control what I say. Don't let me say anything bad.
4 Take away any desire to do evil. Keep me from joining the wicked in doing wrong. Help me stay away from their feasts.
5 If good people correct me, I will consider it a good thing. If they criticize me, I will accept it like a warm welcome. But my prayer will always be against the wicked and the evil they do.
6 Let their judges be put to death. Then everyone will know that I told the truth.
7 Like rocks in a field that a farmer has plowed, so our bones will be scattered in the grave.
8 My Lord God, I look to you for help. I look to you for protection; don't let me die.
9 Those evil people are trying to trap me. Don't let me fall into their traps.
10 Let the wicked fall into their own traps, while I walk away unharmed.
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.