« | Psalm 31 | » |
1 To the director: A song of David. Lord, I come to you for protection. Don't let me be disappointed. You always do what is right, so save me.
2 Listen to me. Come quickly and save me. Be my Rock, my place of safety. Be my fortress and protect me!
3 Yes, you are my Rock and my protection. For the good of your name, lead me and guide me.
4 Save me from the traps my enemy has set. You are my place of safety.
5 Lord, you are the God we can trust. I put my life in your hands. Save me!
6 I hate those who worship false gods. I trust only in the Lord.
7 Your kindness makes me so happy. You have seen my suffering. You know about the troubles I have.
8 You will not let my enemies take me. You will free me from their traps.
9 Lord, I have many troubles, so be kind to me. I have cried until my eyes hurt. My throat and stomach are aching.
10 Because of my sin, my life is ending in grief; my years are passing away in sighs of pain. My life is ending in weakness. My strength is draining away.
11 My enemies despise me, and even my neighbors have turned away. When my friends see me in the street, they turn the other way. They are afraid to be around me.
12 People want to forget me like someone already dead, thrown away like a broken dish.
13 I hear them whispering about me. They have turned against me and plan to kill me.
14 Lord, I trust in you. You are my God.
15 My life is in your hands. Save me from those who are persecuting me.
16 Please welcome and accept your servant. Be kind to me and save me.
17 Lord, I am praying to you. Don't let me be disappointed. The wicked are the ones who should be disappointed. Let them go to the grave in silence.
18 Those evil people brag and tell lies about those who do right. They are so proud now, but their lying lips will be silent.
19 Lord, you have hidden away many wonderful things for your followers. You have done so many good things for those who trust in you. You have blessed them so that all the world can see.
20 Others make plans to hurt them. They say such bad things about them. But you hide your people in your shelter and protect them.
21 Praise the Lord, because he showed me how wonderful his faithful love is when the city was surrounded by enemies.
22 I was afraid and said, "I am in a place where he cannot see me." But I prayed to you, and you heard my loud cries for help.
23 Love the Lord, all of you who are his loyal followers. The Lord protects those who are loyal to him. But he punishes those who brag about their own power. He gives them all the punishment they deserve.
24 Be strong and brave, all of you who are waiting for the Lord's help.
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.