Sons Are Children

(Proverbs 4:1 KJV)  Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

Translations matter.  Each individual translation has a philosophy.  When the Living Bible first came out I was able to read it, use it and enjoy it in spite of its inaccuracy.  Why?  Because we understood it to be a paraphrase.  The NLT and NIV I only use when I have no choice because they are paraphrases in my mind but they won’t admit it, and I can’t trust what they say. 

This verse is a good example of the issue.  Notice how the word “sons” (1121) [ben] is translated.  Chapters 2-7 all have the same Hebrew word.  The NASB always translates it “son” while the KJV translates it “children” in this place only.  The CEV usually uses “children” except in chapters 5 and 7.  Why the differences?  In all the other places it is singular and possessive.  Here it is plural and more generic.  The NASB goes for strict accuracy.  The KJV changes to show the plural, which is acceptable.  There is a good reason because the plural use often is gender neutral.  The CEV prefers the politically correct word, ignores the plural and arbitrarily uses the correct word a few times.  Which approach do you prefer?  Conforming to constantly changing cultural norms does not live up to the level of inspired scripture for me.

So?  Chose your translation carefully.  The Holy Spirit can speak to honest minds and open hearts no matter what translation you have but don’t make it harder than it needs to be.