« | Job 34 | » |
1 Elihu continued:
2 "So, my fine friends--listen to me, and see what you think of this.
3 Isn't it just common sense-- as common as the sense of taste--
4 To put our heads together and figure out what's going on here?
5 "We've all heard Job say, 'I'm in the right, but God won't give me a fair trial.
6 When I defend myself, I'm called a liar to my face. I've done nothing wrong, and I get punished anyway.'
7 Have you ever heard anything to beat this? Does nothing faze this man Job?
8 Do you think he's spent too much time in bad company, hanging out with the wrong crowd,
9 So that now he's parroting their line: 'It doesn't pay to try to please God'?
10 "You're veterans in dealing with these matters; certainly we're of one mind on this. It's impossible for God to do anything evil; no way can the Mighty One do wrong.
11 He makes us pay for exactly what we've done--no more, no less. Our chickens always come home to roost.
12 It's impossible for God to do anything wicked, for the Mighty One to subvert justice.
13 He's the one who runs the earth! He cradles the whole world in his hand!
14 If he decided to hold his breath,
15 every man, woman, and child would die for lack of air.
16 "So, Job, use your head; this is all pretty obvious.
17 Can someone who hates order, keep order? Do you dare condemn the righteous, mighty God?
18 Doesn't God always tell it like it is, exposing corrupt rulers as scoundrels and criminals?
19 Does he play favorites with the rich and famous and slight the poor? Isn't he equally responsible to everybody?
20 Don't people who deserve it die without notice? Don't wicked rulers tumble to their doom? When the so-called great ones are wiped out, we know God is working behind the scenes.
21 "He has his eyes on every man and woman. He doesn't miss a trick.
22 There is no night dark enough, no shadow deep enough, to hide those who do evil.
23 God doesn't need to gather any more evidence; their sin is an open-and-shut case.
24 He deposes the so-called high and mighty without asking questions, and replaces them at once with others.
25 Nobody gets by with anything; overnight, judgment is signed, sealed, and delivered.
26 He punishes the wicked for their wickedness out in the open where everyone can see it,
27 Because they quit following him, no longer even thought about him or his ways.
28 Their apostasy was announced by the cry of the poor; the cry of the afflicted got God's attention.
29 "If God is silent, what's that to you? If he turns his face away, what can you do about it? But whether silent or hidden, he's there, ruling,
30 so that those who hate God won't take over and ruin people's lives.
31 "So why don't you simply confess to God? Say, 'I sinned, but I'll sin no more.
32 Teach me to see what I still don't see. Whatever evil I've done, I'll do it no more.'
33 Just because you refuse to live on God's terms, do you think he should start living on yours? You choose. I can't do it for you. Tell me what you decide.
34 "All right-thinking people say-- and the wise who have listened to me concur--
35 'Job is an ignoramus. He talks utter nonsense.'
36 Job, you need to be pushed to the wall and called to account for wickedly talking back to God the way you have.
37 You've compounded your original sin by rebelling against God's discipline, Defiantly shaking your fist at God, piling up indictments against the Almighty One."
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.