Evil Is

(Proverbs 12:13 KJV)  The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.

Why do I think it is important to translate as close to word for word as possible?  This is a good example.  The KJV and NASB are both word for word translations.  The NASB has “evil man” (7451a) and the KJV has “wicked”.  I actually like the KJV but that is a topic for another day.  Both get across the idea that some people are evil and some are “righteous” (6662).

Now compare that with one of the popular contemporary translations, The Contemporary English Version.

(Proverbs 12:13 CEV)  We trap ourselves by telling lies, but we stay out of trouble by living right.

In this case both sides are us.  That could be a useful side point in a sermon, but it is not the point of this verse.  The verse is pointing out that some people are evil and some are righteous.  Modern New Age thinking would deny that point.  Is that why it was translated so broadly?  I don’t know.

So?  We are to live righteous lives.  It is possible.  We should reject the current thinking that denies that people can be evil.  Be careful what you agree to.