« | Ecclesiastes 10 | » |
1 Dead flies in perfume make it stink, And a little foolishness decomposes much wisdom.
2 Wise thinking leads to right living; Stupid thinking leads to wrong living.
3 Fools on the road have no sense of direction. The way they walk tells the story: "There goes the fool again!"
4 If a ruler loses his temper against you, don't panic; A calm disposition quiets intemperate rage.
5 Here's a piece of bad business I've seen on this earth, An error that can be blamed on whoever is in charge:
6 Immaturity is given a place of prominence, While maturity is made to take a back seat.
7 I've seen unproven upstarts riding in style, While experienced veterans are put out to pasture.
8 Caution: The trap you set might catch you. Warning: Your accomplice in crime might double-cross you.
9 Safety first: Quarrying stones is dangerous. Be alert: Felling trees is hazardous.
10 Remember: The duller the ax the harder the work; Use your head: The more brains, the less muscle.
11 If the snake bites before it's been charmed, What's the point in then sending for the charmer?
12 The words of a wise person are gracious. The talk of a fool self-destructs--
13 He starts out talking nonsense And ends up spouting insanity and evil.
14 Fools talk way too much, Chattering stuff they know nothing about.
15 A decent day's work so fatigues fools That they can't find their way back to town.
16 Unlucky the land whose king is a young pup, And whose princes party all night.
17 Lucky the land whose king is mature, Where the princes behave themselves And don't drink themselves silly.
18 A shiftless man lives in a tumbledown shack; A lazy woman ends up with a leaky roof.
19 Laughter and bread go together, And wine gives sparkle to life-- But it's money that makes the world go around.
20 Don't bad-mouth your leaders, not even under your breath, And don't abuse your betters, even in the privacy of your home. Loose talk has a way of getting picked up and spread around. Little birds drop the crumbs of your gossip far and wide.
The Message (MSG)
The Message (MSG) is a contemporary, paraphrased translation of the Bible, crafted to bring the scriptures to life in modern, conversational English. Developed by pastor and scholar Eugene H. Peterson, The Message was published in segments starting in 1993, with the complete Bible released in 2002. Peterson’s aim was to make the Bible accessible and engaging for today’s readers, breaking down the barriers posed by traditional, formal language. His work sought to capture the original tone, rhythm, and intent of the biblical texts, presenting them in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.
One of the defining characteristics of The Message is its use of dynamic equivalence, focusing on conveying the thoughts and meanings behind the original texts rather than adhering to a word-for-word translation. This approach allows for the use of idiomatic expressions and modern phrasing, making the scriptures feel more relatable and immediate. Peterson, who had a deep understanding of both the biblical languages and modern culture, aimed to bridge the gap between the ancient world of the Bible and the everyday experiences of today’s readers.
The Message has been praised for its readability and ability to convey the emotional and narrative elements of the Bible in a fresh, vivid manner. Its accessible language makes it particularly appealing to those who might find traditional translations difficult to understand or intimidating. Many readers appreciate The Message for its ability to make familiar passages feel new and impactful, often shedding light on the scriptures in ways that resonate on a personal level. It is frequently used in personal devotions, group studies, and church services where clarity and relatability are paramount.
Despite its popularity, The Message has faced criticism from some scholars and traditionalists who argue that its paraphrased nature can lead to oversimplification and loss of nuance. Critics contend that in striving for contemporary relevance, The Message sometimes departs too far from the original texts, potentially altering the intended meanings. However, supporters of The Message appreciate its ability to engage modern readers and spark interest in the Bible, seeing it as a valuable tool for evangelism and discipleship. Overall, The Message stands out as a bold and innovative translation that has made a significant impact on how many people experience and understand the Bible.