As I read through the Apocrypha in the CEB, I more clearly understand the need for simple language in the translation process. With the regular 66 books of the Protestant Bible I am used to more difficult language. I grew up with the Bible, even memorizing with the King James Version. The stilted language is actually comfortable to me.

But in reading the Apocrypha this time with the CEB, I understand why simpler translation is needed. I am unfamiliar with the Apocrypha so reading it with the CEB’s clarity helps me get into it quicker. I am understanding more and more that someone who’s rarely read the Bible would be quicker to get into a dynamic equivalent translation (or whatever they’re calling it these days) than a more formal equivalent translation.

The reading for today is pretty clear:

Don’t be too confident of being forgiven,
adding sin upon sin.
Don’t say, ‘His compassion is great:
he will forgive the whole heap of my sins.
Mercy and wrath are with him,
and his anger will rest on sinners. (Wisdom of Sirach 5:5,6, CEB)

I like THAT clarity!