« | Job 35 | » |
1 Elihu lit into Job again:
2 "Does this kind of thing make any sense? First you say, 'I'm perfectly innocent before God.'
3 And then you say, 'It doesn't make a bit of difference whether I've sinned or not.'
4 "Well, I'm going to show you that you don't know what you're talking about, neither you nor your friends.
5 Look up at the sky. Take a long hard look. See those clouds towering above you?
6 If you sin, what difference could that make to God? No matter how much you sin, will it matter to him?
7 Even if you're good, what would God get out of that? Do you think he's dependent on your accomplishments?
8 The only ones who care whether you're good or bad are your family and friends and neighbors. God's not dependent on your behavior.
9 "When times get bad, people cry out for help. They cry for relief from being kicked around,
10 But never give God a thought when things go well, when God puts spontaneous songs in their hearts,
11 When God sets out the entire creation as a science classroom, using birds and beasts to teach wisdom.
12 People are arrogantly indifferent to God-- until, of course, they're in trouble, and then God is indifferent to them.
13 There's nothing behind such prayers except panic; the Almighty pays them no mind.
14 So why would he notice you just because you say you're tired of waiting to be heard,
15 Or waiting for him to get good and angry and do something about the world's problems?
16 "Job, you talk sheer nonsense-- nonstop nonsense!"
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.