« | Job 12 | » |
1 Job answered:
2 "I'm sure you speak for all the experts, and when you die there'll be no one left to tell us how to live.
3 But don't forget that I also have a brain-- I don't intend to play second fiddle to you. It doesn't take an expert to know these things.
4 "I'm ridiculed by my friends: 'So that's the man who had conversations with God!' Ridiculed without mercy: 'Look at the man who never did wrong!'
5 It's easy for the well-to-do to point their fingers in blame, for the well-fixed to pour scorn on the strugglers.
6 Crooks reside safely in high-security houses, insolent blasphemers live in luxury; they've bought and paid for a god who'll protect them.
7 "But ask the animals what they think--let them teach you; let the birds tell you what's going on.
8 Put your ear to the earth--learn the basics. Listen--the fish in the ocean will tell you their stories.
9 Isn't it clear that they all know and agree that GOD is sovereign, that he holds all things in his hand--
10 Every living soul, yes, every breathing creature?
11 Isn't this all just common sense, as common as the sense of taste?
12 Do you think the elderly have a corner on wisdom, that you have to grow old before you understand life?
13 "True wisdom and real power belong to God; from him we learn how to live, and also what to live for.
14 If he tears something down, it's down for good; if he locks people up, they're locked up for good.
15 If he holds back the rain, there's a drought; if he lets it loose, there's a flood.
16 Strength and success belong to God; both deceived and deceiver must answer to him.
17 He strips experts of their vaunted credentials, exposes judges as witless fools.
18 He divests kings of their royal garments, then ties a rag around their waists.
19 He strips priests of their robes, and fires high officials from their jobs.
20 He forces trusted sages to keep silence, deprives elders of their good sense and wisdom.
21 He dumps contempt on famous people, disarms the strong and mighty.
22 He shines a spotlight into caves of darkness, hauls deepest darkness into the noonday sun.
23 He makes nations rise and then fall, builds up some and abandons others.
24 He robs world leaders of their reason, and sends them off into no man's land.
25 They grope in the dark without a clue, lurching and staggering like drunks.
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.