« | Psalm 25 | » |
1 A song of David. Lord, I put my life in your hands.
2 I trust in you, my God, and I will not be disappointed. My enemies will not laugh at me.
3 No one who trusts in you will be disappointed. But disappointment will come to those who try to deceive others. They will get nothing.
4 Lord, help me learn your ways. Show me how you want me to live.
5 Guide me and teach me your truths. You are my God, my Savior. You are the one I have been waiting for.
6 Remember to be kind to me, Lord. Show me the tender love that you have always had.
7 Don't remember the sinful things I did when I was young. Because you are good, Lord, remember me with your faithful love.
8 The Lord is good and does what is right. He shows sinners the right way to live.
9 He teaches his ways to humble people. He leads them with fairness.
10 The Lord is kind and true to those who obey what he said in his agreement.
11 Lord, I have done many wrong things. But I ask you to forgive them all to show your goodness.
12 When people choose to follow the Lord, he shows them the best way to live.
13 They will enjoy good things, and their children will get the land God promised.
14 The Lord tells his secrets to his followers. He teaches them about his agreement.
15 I always look to the Lord for help. Only he can free me from my troubles.
16 I am hurt and lonely. Turn to me, and show me mercy.
17 Free me from my troubles. Help me solve my problems.
18 Look at my trials and troubles. Forgive me for all the sins I have done.
19 Look at all the enemies I have. They hate me and want to hurt me.
20 Protect me! Save me from them! I come to you for protection, so don't let me be disappointed.
21 You are good and do what is right. I trust you to protect me.
22 God, save the people of Israel from all their enemies.
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.