« | Psalm 31 | » |
1 I come to you, LORD, for protection; never let me be defeated. You are a righteous God; save me, I pray!
2 Hear me! Save me now! Be my refuge to protect me; my defense to save me.
3 You are my refuge and defense; guide me and lead me as you have promised.
4 Keep me safe from the trap that has been set for me; shelter me from danger.
5 I place myself in your care. You will save me, LORD; you are a faithful God.
6 You hate those who worship false gods, but I trust in you.
7 I will be glad and rejoice because of your constant love. You see my suffering; you know my trouble.
8 You have not let my enemies capture me; you have given me freedom to go where I wish.
9 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in trouble; my eyes are tired from so much crying; I am completely worn out.
10 I am exhausted by sorrow, and weeping has shortened my life. I am weak from all my troubles; even my bones are wasting away.
11 All my enemies, and especially my neighbors, treat me with contempt. Those who know me are afraid of me; when they see me in the street, they run away.
12 Everyone has forgotten me, as though I were dead; I am like something thrown away.
13 I hear many enemies whispering; terror is all around me. They are making plans against me, plotting to kill me.
14 But my trust is in you, O LORD; you are my God.
15 I am always in your care; save me from my enemies, from those who persecute me.
16 Look on your servant with kindness; save me in your constant love.
17 I call to you, LORD; don't let me be disgraced. May the wicked be disgraced; may they go silently down to the world of the dead.
18 Silence those liars--- all the proud and arrogant who speak with contempt about the righteous.
19 How wonderful are the good things you keep for those who honor you! Everyone knows how good you are, how securely you protect those who trust you.
20 You hide them in the safety of your presence from the plots of others; in a safe shelter you hide them from the insults of their enemies.
21 Praise the LORD! How wonderfully he showed his love for me when I was surrounded and attacked!
22 I was afraid and thought that he had driven me out of his presence. But he heard my cry, when I called to him for help.
23 Love the LORD, all his faithful people. The LORD protects the faithful, but punishes the proud as they deserve.
24 Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the LORD.
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.