« | Job 5 | » |
1 "Call for help, Job, if you think anyone will answer! To which of the holy angels will you turn?
2 The hot temper of a fool eventually kills him, the jealous anger of a simpleton does her in.
3 I've seen it myself--seen fools putting down roots, and then, suddenly, their houses are cursed.
4 Their children out in the cold, abused and exploited, with no one to stick up for them.
5 Hungry people off the street plunder their harvests, cleaning them out completely, taking thorns and all, insatiable for everything they have.
6 Don't blame fate when things go wrong-- trouble doesn't come from nowhere.
7 It's human! Mortals are born and bred for trouble, as certainly as sparks fly upward.
8 "If I were in your shoes, I'd go straight to God, I'd throw myself on the mercy of God.
9 After all, he's famous for great and unexpected acts; there's no end to his surprises.
10 He gives rain, for instance, across the wide earth, sends water to irrigate the fields.
11 He raises up the down-and-out, gives firm footing to those sinking in grief.
12 He aborts the schemes of conniving crooks, so that none of their plots come to term.
13 He catches the know-it-alls in their conspiracies-- all that intricate intrigue swept out with the trash!
14 Suddenly they're disoriented, plunged into darkness; they can't see to put one foot in front of the other.
15 But the downtrodden are saved by God, saved from the murderous plots, saved from the iron fist.
16 And so the poor continue to hope, while injustice is bound and gagged.
17 "So, what a blessing when God steps in and corrects you! Mind you, don't despise the discipline of Almighty God!
18 True, he wounds, but he also dresses the wound; the same hand that hurts you, heals you.
19 From one disaster after another he delivers you; no matter what the calamity, the evil can't touch you--
20 "In famine, he'll keep you from starving, in war, from being gutted by the sword.
21 You'll be protected from vicious gossip and live fearless through any catastrophe.
22 You'll shrug off disaster and famine, and stroll fearlessly among wild animals.
23 You'll be on good terms with rocks and mountains; wild animals will become your good friends.
24 You'll know that your place on earth is safe, you'll look over your goods and find nothing amiss.
25 You'll see your children grow up, your family lovely and lissome as orchard grass.
26 You'll arrive at your grave ripe with many good years, like sheaves of golden grain at harvest.
27 "Yes, this is the way things are--my word of honor! Take it to heart and you won't go wrong."
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.