« | Proverbs 15 | » |
1 A gentle response defuses anger, but a sharp tongue kindles a temper-fire.
2 Knowledge flows like spring water from the wise; fools are leaky faucets, dripping nonsense.
3 GOD doesn't miss a thing-- he's alert to good and evil alike.
4 Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.
5 Moral dropouts won't listen to their elders; welcoming correction is a mark of good sense.
6 The lives of God-loyal people flourish; a misspent life is soon bankrupt.
7 Perceptive words spread knowledge; fools are hollow--there's nothing to them.
8 GOD can't stand pious poses, but he delights in genuine prayers.
9 A life frittered away disgusts GOD; he loves those who run straight for the finish line.
10 It's a school of hard knocks for those who leave God's path, a dead-end street for those who hate God's rules.
11 Even hell holds no secrets from GOD-- do you think he can't read human hearts?
12 Know-it-alls don't like being told what to do; they avoid the company of wise men and women.
13 A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.
14 An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth; fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies.
15 A miserable heart means a miserable life; a cheerful heart fills the day with song.
16 A simple life in the Fear-of-GOD is better than a rich life with a ton of headaches.
17 Better a bread crust shared in love than a slab of prime rib served in hate.
18 Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace.
19 The path of lazy people is overgrown with briers; the diligent walk down a smooth road.
20 Intelligent children make their parents proud; lazy students embarrass their parents.
21 The empty-headed treat life as a plaything; the perceptive grasp its meaning and make a go of it.
22 Refuse good advice and watch your plans fail; take good counsel and watch them succeed.
23 Congenial conversation--what a pleasure! The right word at the right time--beautiful!
24 Life ascends to the heights for the thoughtful-- it's a clean about-face from descent into hell.
25 GOD smashes the pretensions of the arrogant; he stands with those who have no standing.
26 GOD can't stand evil scheming, but he puts words of grace and beauty on display.
27 A greedy and grasping person destroys community; those who refuse to exploit live and let live.
28 Prayerful answers come from God-loyal people; the wicked are sewers of abuse.
29 GOD keeps his distance from the wicked; he closely attends to the prayers of God-loyal people.
30 A twinkle in the eye means joy in the heart, and good news makes you feel fit as a fiddle.
31 Listen to good advice if you want to live well, an honored guest among wise men and women.
32 An undisciplined, self-willed life is puny; an obedient, God-willed life is spacious.
33 Fear-of-GOD is a school in skilled living-- first you learn humility, then you experience glory.
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.