« | Job 6 | » |
1 Job answered:
2 "If my misery could be weighed, if you could pile the whole bitter load on the scales,
3 It would be heavier than all the sand of the sea! Is it any wonder that I'm screaming like a caged cat?
4 The arrows of God Almighty are in me, poison arrows--and I'm poisoned all through! God has dumped the whole works on me.
5 Donkeys bray and cows moo when they run out of pasture-- so don't expect me to keep quiet in this.
6 Do you see what God has dished out for me? It's enough to turn anyone's stomach!
7 Everything in me is repulsed by it-- it makes me sick.
8 "All I want is an answer to one prayer, a last request to be honored:
9 Let God step on me--squash me like a bug, and be done with me for good.
10 I'd at least have the satisfaction of not having blasphemed the Holy God, before being pressed past the limits.
11 Where's the strength to keep my hopes up? What future do I have to keep me going?
12 Do you think I have nerves of steel? Do you think I'm made of iron?
13 Do you think I can pull myself up by my bootstraps? Why, I don't even have any boots!
14 "When desperate people give up on God Almighty, their friends, at least, should stick with them.
15 But my brothers are fickle as a gulch in the desert-- one day they're gushing with water
16 From melting ice and snow cascading out of the mountains,
17 But by midsummer they're dry, gullies baked dry in the sun.
18 Travelers who spot them and go out of their way for a drink, end up in a waterless gulch and die of thirst.
19 Merchant caravans from Tema see them and expect water, tourists from Sheba hope for a cool drink.
20 They arrive so confident--but what a disappointment! They get there, and their faces fall!
21 And you, my so-called friends, are no better-- there's nothing to you! One look at a hard scene and you shrink in fear.
22 It's not as though I asked you for anything-- I didn't ask you for one red cent--
23 Nor did I beg you to go out on a limb for me. So why all this dodging and shuffling?
24 "Confront me with the truth and I'll shut up, show me where I've gone off the track.
25 Honest words never hurt anyone, but what's the point of all this pious bluster?
26 You pretend to tell me what's wrong with my life, but treat my words of anguish as so much hot air.
27 Are people mere things to you? Are friends just items of profit and loss?
28 "Look me in the eyes! Do you think I'd lie to your face?
29 Think it over--no double-talk! Think carefully--my integrity is on the line!
30 Can you detect anything false in what I say? Don't you trust me to discern good from 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.