« | Proverbs 16 | » |
1 Mortals make elaborate plans, but GOD has the last word.
2 Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; GOD probes for what is good.
3 Put GOD in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place.
4 GOD made everything with a place and purpose; even the wicked are included--but for judgment.
5 GOD can't stomach arrogance or pretense; believe me, he'll put those upstarts in their place.
6 Guilt is banished through love and truth; Fear-of-GOD deflects evil.
7 When GOD approves of your life, even your enemies will end up shaking your hand.
8 Far better to be right and poor than to be wrong and rich.
9 We plan the way we want to live, but only GOD makes us able to live it.
10 A good leader motivates, doesn't mislead, doesn't exploit.
11 GOD cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business.
12 Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation.
13 Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth.
14 An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that.
15 Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they're like spring rain and sunshine.
16 Get wisdom--it's worth more than money; choose insight over income every time.
17 The road of right living bypasses evil; watch your step and save your life.
18 First pride, then the crash-- the bigger the ego, the harder the fall.
19 It's better to live humbly among the poor than to live it up among the rich and famous.
20 It pays to take life seriously; things work out when you trust in GOD.
21 A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation.
22 True intelligence is a spring of fresh water, while fools sweat it out the hard way.
23 They make a lot of sense, these wise folks; whenever they speak, their reputation increases.
24 Gracious speech is like clover honey-- good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body.
25 There's a way that looks harmless enough; look again--it leads straight to hell.
26 Appetite is an incentive to work; hunger makes you work all the harder.
27 Mean people spread mean gossip; their words smart and burn.
28 Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.
29 Calloused climbers betray their very own friends; they'd stab their own grandmothers in the back.
30 A shifty eye betrays an evil intention; a clenched jaw signals trouble ahead.
31 Gray hair is a mark of distinction, the award for a God-loyal life.
32 Moderation is better than muscle, self-control better than political power.
33 Make your motions and cast your votes, but GOD has the final say.
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.