« | Proverbs 17 | » |
1 A meal of bread and water in contented peace is better than a banquet spiced with quarrels.
2 A wise servant takes charge of an unruly child and is honored as one of the family.
3 As silver in a crucible and gold in a pan, so our lives are assayed by GOD.
4 Evil people relish malicious conversation; the ears of liars itch for dirty gossip.
5 Whoever mocks poor people, insults their Creator; gloating over misfortune is a punishable crime.
6 Old people are distinguished by grandchildren; children take pride in their parents.
7 We don't expect eloquence from fools, nor do we expect lies from our leaders.
8 Receiving a gift is like getting a rare gemstone; any way you look at it, you see beauty refracted.
9 Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and--good-bye, friend!
10 A quiet rebuke to a person of good sense does more than a whack on the head of a fool.
11 Criminals out looking for nothing but trouble won't have to wait long--they'll meet it coming and going!
12 Better to meet a grizzly robbed of her cubs than a fool hellbent on folly.
13 Those who return evil for good will meet their own evil returning.
14 The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts.
15 Whitewashing bad people and throwing mud on good people are equally abhorrent to GOD.
16 What's this? Fools out shopping for wisdom! They wouldn't recognize it if they saw it!
17 Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.
18 It's stupid to try to get something for nothing, or run up huge bills you can never pay.
19 The person who courts sin, marries trouble; build a wall, invite a burglar.
20 A bad motive can't achieve a good end; double-talk brings you double trouble.
21 Having a fool for a child is misery; it's no fun being the parent of a dolt.
22 A cheerful disposition is good for your health; gloom and doom leave you bone-tired.
23 The wicked take bribes under the table; they show nothing but contempt for justice.
24 The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard; fools look for it everywhere but right here.
25 A surly, stupid child is sheer pain to a father, a bitter pill for a mother to swallow.
26 It's wrong to penalize good behavior, or make good citizens pay for the crimes of others.
27 The one who knows much says little; an understanding person remains calm.
28 Even dunces who keep quiet are thought to be wise; as long as they keep their mouths shut, they're smart.
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.