« | Job 9 | » |
1 Job continued by saying:
2 "So what's new? I know all this. The question is, 'How can mere mortals get right with God?'
3 If we wanted to bring our case before him, what chance would we have? Not one in a thousand!
4 God's wisdom is so deep, God's power so immense, who could take him on and come out in one piece?
5 He moves mountains before they know what's happened, flips them on their heads on a whim.
6 He gives the earth a good shaking up, rocks it down to its very foundations.
7 He tells the sun, 'Don't shine,' and it doesn't; he pulls the blinds on the stars.
8 All by himself he stretches out the heavens and strides on the waves of the sea.
9 He designed the Big Dipper and Orion, the Pleiades and Alpha Centauri.
10 We'll never comprehend all the great things he does; his miracle-surprises can't be counted.
11 Somehow, though he moves right in front of me, I don't see him; quietly but surely he's active, and I miss it.
12 If he steals you blind, who can stop him? Who's going to say, 'Hey, what are you doing?'
13 God doesn't hold back on his anger; even dragon-bred monsters cringe before him.
14 "So how could I ever argue with him, construct a defense that would influence God?
15 Even though I'm innocent I could never prove it; I can only throw myself on the Judge's mercy.
16 If I called on God and he himself answered me, then, and only then, would I believe that he'd heard me.
17 As it is, he knocks me about from pillar to post, beating me up, black and blue, for no good reason.
18 He won't even let me catch my breath, piles bitterness upon bitterness.
19 If it's a question of who's stronger, he wins, hands down! If it's a question of justice, who'll serve him the subpoena?
20 Even though innocent, anything I say incriminates me; blameless as I am, my defense just makes me sound worse.
21 "Believe me, I'm blameless. I don't understand what's going on. I hate my life!
22 Since either way it ends up the same, I can only conclude that God destroys the good right along with the bad.
23 When calamity hits and brings sudden death, he folds his arms, aloof from the despair of the innocent.
24 He lets the wicked take over running the world, he installs judges who can't tell right from wrong. If he's not responsible, who is?
25 "My time is short--what's left of my life races off too fast for me to even glimpse the good.
26 My life is going fast, like a ship under full sail, like an eagle plummeting to its prey.
27 Even if I say, 'I'll put all this behind me, I'll look on the bright side and force a smile,'
28 All these troubles would still be like grit in my gut since it's clear you're not going to let up.
29 The verdict has already been handed down--'Guilty!'-- so what's the use of protests or appeals?
30 Even if I scrub myself all over and wash myself with the strongest soap I can find,
31 It wouldn't last--you'd push me into a pigpen, or worse, so nobody could stand me for the stink.
32 "God and I are not equals; I can't bring a case against him. We'll never enter a courtroom as peers.
33 How I wish we had an arbitrator to step in and let me get on with life--
34 To break God's death grip on me, to free me from this terror so I could breathe again.
35 Then I'd speak up and state my case boldly. As things stand, there is no way I can do it.
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.