« | Job 28 | » |
1 "We all know how silver seams the rocks, we've seen the stuff from which gold is refined,
2 We're aware of how iron is dug out of the ground and copper is smelted from rock.
3 Miners penetrate the earth's darkness, searching the roots of the mountains for ore, digging away in the suffocating darkness.
4 Far from civilization, far from the traffic, they cut a shaft, and are lowered into it by ropes.
5 Earth's surface is a field for grain, but its depths are a forge
6 Firing sapphires from stones and chiseling gold from rocks.
7 Vultures are blind to its riches, hawks never lay eyes on it.
8 Wild animals are oblivious to it, lions don't know it's there.
9 Miners hammer away at the rock, they uproot the mountains.
10 They tunnel through the rock and find all kinds of beautiful gems.
11 They discover the origins of rivers, and bring earth's secrets to light.
12 "But where, oh where, will they find Wisdom? Where does Insight hide?
13 Mortals don't have a clue, haven't the slightest idea where to look.
14 Earth's depths say, 'It's not here'; ocean deeps echo, 'Never heard of it.'
15 It can't be bought with the finest gold; no amount of silver can get it.
16 Even famous Ophir gold can't buy it, not even diamonds and sapphires.
17 Neither gold nor emeralds are comparable; extravagant jewelry can't touch it.
18 Pearl necklaces and ruby bracelets--why bother? None of this is even a down payment on Wisdom!
19 Pile gold and African diamonds as high as you will, they can't hold a candle to Wisdom.
20 "So where does Wisdom come from? And where does Insight live?
21 It can't be found by looking, no matter how deep you dig, no matter how high you fly.
22 If you search through the graveyard and question the dead, they say, 'We've only heard rumors of it.'
23 "God alone knows the way to Wisdom, he knows the exact place to find it.
24 He knows where everything is on earth, he sees everything under heaven.
25 After he commanded the winds to blow and measured out the waters,
26 Arranged for the rain and set off explosions of thunder and lightning,
27 He focused on Wisdom, made sure it was all set and tested and ready.
28 Then he addressed the human race: 'Here it is! Fear-of-the-Lord--that's Wisdom, and Insight means shunning evil.'"
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.