« | Psalm 73 | » |
1 Asaph's song of praise. God is so good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.
2 But I almost slipped and lost my balance. I almost fell into sin.
3 I saw that wicked people were successful, and I became jealous of those proud people.
4 They are healthy. They don't have to struggle to survive.
5 They don't suffer like the rest of us. They don't have troubles like other people.
6 So they are proud and hateful. This is as easy to see as the jewels and fancy clothes they wear.
7 If they see something they like, they go and take it. They do whatever they want.
8 They make fun of others and say cruel things about them. In their pride they make plans to hurt people.
9 They think they are gods! They think they are the rulers of the earth.
10 Even God's people turn to them and do what they say.
11 Those evil people say, "God does not know what we are doing! God Most High does not know!"
12 Those proud people are wicked, but they are rich and getting richer.
13 Clearly, then, I gain nothing by keeping my thoughts pure! What good is it to keep myself from sin?
14 God, I suffer all day long, and you punish me every morning.
15 I wanted to tell others these things, but that would have made me a traitor to your people.
16 I tried hard to understand all this, but it was too hard for me.
17 But then, God, I went to your Temple, and I understood what will happen to the wicked.
18 Clearly, you have put them in danger. You make it easy for them to fall and be destroyed.
19 Trouble can come suddenly, and they will be ruined. Terrible things can happen to them, and they will be finished.
20 Then they will be like a dream that we forget when we wake up. You will make them disappear like the monsters in our dreams.
21 I was so stupid. I thought about such people and became upset. God, I was upset and angry with you! I acted like a senseless animal.
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23 But I am always with you. You hold my hand.
24 You lead me and give me good advice, and later you will lead me to glory.
25 In heaven, God, I have only you. And if I am with you, what on earth could I want?
26 Maybe my mind and body will become weak, but God is my source of strength. He is mine forever!
27 God, people who leave you will be lost. You will destroy all who are not faithful to you.
28 As for me, all I need is to be close to God. I have made the Lord God my place of safety. And, God, I will tell about all that you have done.
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.