« | Job 4 | » |
1 Then Eliphaz from Teman spoke up:
2 "Would you mind if I said something to you? Under the circumstances it's hard to keep quiet.
3 You yourself have done this plenty of times, spoken words that clarify, encouraged those who were about to quit.
4 Your words have put stumbling people on their feet, put fresh hope in people about to collapse.
5 But now you're the one in trouble--you're hurting! You've been hit hard and you're reeling from the blow.
6 But shouldn't your devout life give you confidence now? Shouldn't your exemplary life give you hope?
7 "Think! Has a truly innocent person ever ended up on the scrap heap? Do genuinely upright people ever lose out in the end?
8 It's my observation that those who plow evil and sow trouble reap evil and trouble.
9 One breath from God and they fall apart, one blast of his anger and there's nothing left of them.
10 The mighty lion, king of the beasts, roars mightily, but when he's toothless he's useless--
11 No teeth, no prey--and the cubs wander off to fend for themselves.
12 "A word came to me in secret-- a mere whisper of a word, but I heard it clearly.
13 It came in a scary dream one night, after I had fallen into a deep, deep sleep.
14 Dread stared me in the face, and Terror. I was scared to death--I shook from head to foot.
15 A spirit glided right in front of me-- the hair on my head stood on end.
16 I couldn't tell what it was that appeared there-- a blur . . . and then I heard a muffled voice:
17 "'How can mere mortals be more righteous than God? How can humans be purer than their Creator?
18 Why, God doesn't even trust his own servants, doesn't even cheer his angels,
19 So how much less these bodies composed of mud, fragile as moths?
20 These bodies of ours are here today and gone tomorrow, and no one even notices--gone without a trace.
21 When the tent stakes are ripped up, the tent collapses-- we die and are never the wiser for having lived.'
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.