« | Job 11 | » |
1 Now it was the turn of Zophar from Naamath:
2 "What a flood of words! Shouldn't we put a stop to it? Should this kind of loose talk be permitted?
3 Job, do you think you can carry on like this and we'll say nothing? That we'll let you rail and mock and not step in?
4 You claim, 'My doctrine is sound and my conduct impeccable.'
5 How I wish God would give you a piece of his mind, tell you what's what!
6 I wish he'd show you how wisdom looks from the inside, for true wisdom is mostly 'inside.' But you can be sure of this, you haven't gotten half of what you deserve.
7 "Do you think you can explain the mystery of God? Do you think you can diagram God Almighty?
8 God is far higher than you can imagine, far deeper than you can comprehend,
9 Stretching farther than earth's horizons, far wider than the endless ocean.
10 If he happens along, throws you in jail then hauls you into court, can you do anything about it?
11 He sees through vain pretensions, spots evil a long way off-- no one pulls the wool over his eyes!
12 Hollow men, hollow women, will wise up about the same time mules learn to talk.
13 "Still, if you set your heart on God and reach out to him,
14 If you scrub your hands of sin and refuse to entertain evil in your home,
15 You'll be able to face the world unashamed and keep a firm grip on life, guiltless and fearless.
16 You'll forget your troubles; they'll be like old, faded photographs.
17 Your world will be washed in sunshine, every shadow dispersed by dayspring.
18 Full of hope, you'll relax, confident again; you'll look around, sit back, and take it easy.
19 Expansive, without a care in the world, you'll be hunted out by many for your blessing.
20 But the wicked will see none of this. They're headed down a dead-end road with nothing to look forward to--nothing."
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.