« | Proverbs 19 | » |
1 Better to be poor and honest than a rich person no one can trust.
2 Ignorant zeal is worthless; haste makes waste.
3 People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does GOD always get blamed?
4 Wealth attracts friends as honey draws flies, but poor people are avoided like a plague.
5 Perjury won't go unpunished. Would you let a liar go free?
6 Lots of people flock around a generous person; everyone's a friend to the philanthropist.
7 When you're down on your luck, even your family avoids you-- yes, even your best friends wish you'd get lost. If they see you coming, they look the other way-- out of sight, out of mind.
8 Grow a wise heart--you'll do yourself a favor; keep a clear head--you'll find a good life.
9 The person who tells lies gets caught; the person who spreads rumors is ruined.
10 Blockheads shouldn't live on easy street any more than workers should give orders to their boss.
11 Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.
12 Mean-tempered leaders are like mad dogs; the good-natured are like fresh morning dew.
13 A parent is worn to a frazzle by a stupid child; a nagging spouse is a leaky faucet.
14 House and land are handed down from parents, but a congenial spouse comes straight from GOD.
15 Life collapses on loafers; lazybones go hungry.
16 Keep the rules and keep your life; careless living kills.
17 Mercy to the needy is a loan to GOD, and GOD pays back those loans in full.
18 Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them.
19 Let angry people endure the backlash of their own anger; if you try to make it better, you'll only make it worse.
20 Take good counsel and accept correction-- that's the way to live wisely and well.
21 We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but GOD's purpose prevails.
22 It's only human to want to make a buck, but it's better to be poor than a liar.
23 Fear-of-GOD is life itself, a full life, and serene--no nasty surprises.
24 Some people dig a fork into the pie but are too lazy to raise it to their mouth.
25 Punish the insolent--make an example of them. Who knows? Somebody might learn a good lesson.
26 Kids who lash out against their parents are an embarrassment and disgrace.
27 If you quit listening, dear child, and strike off on your own, you'll soon be out of your depth.
28 An unprincipled witness desecrates justice; the mouths of the wicked spew malice.
29 The irreverent have to learn reverence the hard way; only a slap in the face brings fools to attention.
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.