« | Ecclesiastes 7 | » |
1 A good reputation is better than a fat bank account. Your death date tells more than your birth date.
2 You learn more at a funeral than at a feast-- After all, that's where we'll end up. We might discover something from it.
3 Crying is better than laughing. It blotches the face but it scours the heart.
4 Sages invest themselves in hurt and grieving. Fools waste their lives in fun and games.
5 You'll get more from the rebuke of a sage Than from the song and dance of fools.
6 The giggles of fools are like the crackling of twigs Under the cooking pot. And like smoke.
7 Brutality stupefies even the wise And destroys the strongest heart.
8 Endings are better than beginnings. Sticking to it is better than standing out.
9 Don't be quick to fly off the handle. Anger boomerangs. You can spot a fool by the lumps on his head.
10 Don't always be asking, "Where are the good old days?" Wise folks don't ask questions like that.
11 Wisdom is better when it's paired with money, Especially if you get both while you're still living.
12 Double protection: wisdom and wealth! Plus this bonus: Wisdom energizes its owner.
13 Take a good look at God's work. Who could simplify and reduce Creation's curves and angles To a plain straight line?
14 On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won't take anything for granted.
15 I've seen it all in my brief and pointless life--here a good person cut down in the middle of doing good, there a bad person living a long life of sheer evil.
16 So don't knock yourself out being good, and don't go overboard being wise. Believe me, you won't get anything out of it.
17 But don't press your luck by being bad, either. And don't be reckless. Why die needlessly?
18 It's best to stay in touch with both sides of an issue. A person who fears God deals responsibly with all of reality, not just a piece of it.
19 Wisdom puts more strength in one wise person Than ten strong men give to a city.
20 There's not one totally good person on earth, Not one who is truly pure and sinless.
21 Don't eavesdrop on the conversation of others. What if the gossip's about you and you'd rather not hear it?
22 You've done that a few times, haven't you--said things Behind someone's back you wouldn't say to his face?
23 I tested everything in my search for wisdom. I set out to be wise, but it was beyond me,
24 far beyond me, and deep--oh so deep! Does anyone ever find it?
25 I concentrated with all my might, studying and exploring and seeking wisdom--the meaning of life. I also wanted to identify evil and stupidity, foolishness and craziness.
26 One discovery: A woman can be a bitter pill to swallow, full of seductive scheming and grasping. The lucky escape her; the undiscerning get caught.
27 At least this is my experience--what I, the Quester, have pieced together as I've tried to make sense of life.
28 But the wisdom I've looked for I haven't found. I didn't find one man or woman in a thousand worth my while.
29 Yet I did spot one ray of light in this murk: God made men and women true and upright; we're the ones who've made a mess of things.
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.