« | Job 15 | » |
1 Eliphaz of Teman spoke a second time:
2 "If you were truly wise, would you sound so much like a windbag, belching hot air?
3 Would you talk nonsense in the middle of a serious argument, babbling baloney?
4 Look at you! You trivialize religion, turn spiritual conversation into empty gossip.
5 It's your sin that taught you to talk this way. You chose an education in fraud.
6 Your own words have exposed your guilt. It's nothing I've said--you've incriminated yourself!
7 Do you think you're the first person to have to deal with these things? Have you been around as long as the hills?
8 Were you listening in when God planned all this? Do you think you're the only one who knows anything?
9 What do you know that we don't know? What insights do you have that we've missed?
10 Gray beards and white hair back us up-- old folks who've been around a lot longer than you.
11 Are God's promises not enough for you, spoken so gently and tenderly?
12 Why do you let your emotions take over, lashing out and spitting fire,
13 Pitting your whole being against God by letting words like this come out of your mouth?
14 Do you think it's possible for any mere mortal to be sinless in God's sight, for anyone born of a human mother to get it all together?
15 Why, God can't even trust his holy angels. He sees the flaws in the very heavens themselves,
16 So how much less we humans, smelly and foul, who lap up evil like water?
17 "I've a thing or two to tell you, so listen up! I'm letting you in on my views;
18 It's what wise men and women have always taught, holding nothing back from what they were taught
19 By their parents, back in the days when they had this land all to themselves:
20 Those who live by their own rules, not God's, can expect nothing but trouble, and the longer they live, the worse it gets.
21 Every little sound terrifies them. Just when they think they have it made, disaster strikes.
22 They despair of things ever getting better-- they're on the list of people for whom things always turn out for the worst.
23 They wander here and there, never knowing where the next meal is coming from-- every day is doomsday!
24 They live in constant terror, always with their backs up against the wall
25 Because they insist on shaking their fists at God, defying God Almighty to his face,
26 Always and ever at odds with God, always on the defensive.
27 "Even if they're the picture of health, trim and fit and youthful,
28 They'll end up living in a ghost town sleeping in a hovel not fit for a dog, a ramshackle shack.
29 They'll never get ahead, never amount to a hill of beans.
30 And then death--don't think they'll escape that! They'll end up shriveled weeds, brought down by a puff of God's breath.
31 There's a lesson here: Whoever invests in lies, gets lies for interest,
32 Paid in full before the due date. Some investment!
33 They'll be like fruit frost-killed before it ripens, like buds sheared off before they bloom.
34 The godless are fruitless--a barren crew; a life built on bribes goes up in smoke.
35 They have sex with sin and give birth to evil. Their lives are wombs for breeding deceit."
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.