The godly care about the rights of the poor;
the wicked don’t care at all.
Proverbs 29:7 NLT
From time to time I like reading the NLT. Many times it renders Scripture in language I really understand. For example, here is the above verse in the ESV. For me, the NLT seems clearer.
A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
Proverbs 29:7 ESV
The NLT of Proverbs 21:23 made me smile, and I think it is an excellent translation. “Keep your mouth shut” is today’s English that I really understand.
Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,
and you will stay out of trouble.
Proverbs 21:23 NLT
Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
keeps himself out of trouble.
Proverbs 21:23 ESV
However, the NLT is a functional translation, and sometimes I don’t agree with it. Consider Proverbs 18:21.
Proverbs 18:21
The tongue can bring death or life;
those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
NLT (Functional translation)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
ESV (Formal translation)
Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
NKJV (Formal translation)
The NLT isn’t 100% wrong, but IMO the second part of it only covers negative words. I have come to believe I can deliberately use my words for good. For example, I can pray for someone and bless them when my flesh would rather curse them and punch them in the nose. If someone only read the NLT, they might not understand deliberately using words for good.
Therefore I recommend people do most of their Bible reading in a modern formal translation such as the ESV, NASB or NKJV. But by all means use a modern functional translation such as the NLT or NIV from time to time to gain insight. I really like Proverbs 19:8 in the NLT!
Proverbs 19:8
To acquire wisdom is to love yourself;
people who cherish understanding will prosper.
NLT
Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;
he who keeps understanding will discover good.
ESV
He who gets wisdom loves his own soul;
He who keeps understanding will find good.
NKJV
Here is a good article on functional vs formal Bible translations.
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR THEORIES OF BIBLE TRANSLATION?
(FORMAL EQUIVALENCE AND DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE)
Jesus is coming very, very soon. Be ready!
4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. 5 You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness. 6 Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 NKJV
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. 35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
Matthew 24:32-35 NKJV
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:34-36 NKJV
Has the rapture happened? You can still be saved and go to heaven! --- Are you following God's plan for your life? You should. Your plan is not going to work. It is a really, really bad plan. Please come to Jesus to escape your plan! Most people are WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! Jesus is coming. Are you ready to meet Him? Give your life to Jesus Christ. Time is running out.
Lift Up Your Eyes! 