« | Proverbs 2 | » |
1 Good friend, take to heart what I'm telling you; collect my counsels and guard them with your life.
2 Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom; set your heart on a life of Understanding.
3 That's right--if you make Insight your priority, and won't take no for an answer,
4 Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold, like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,
5 Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-GOD will be yours; you'll have come upon the Knowledge of God.
6 And here's why: GOD gives out Wisdom free, is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding.
7 He's a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well, a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.
8 He keeps his eye on all who live honestly, and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.
9 So now you can pick out what's true and fair, find all the good trails!
10 Lady Wisdom will be your close friend, and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion.
11 Good Sense will scout ahead for danger, Insight will keep an eye out for you.
12 They'll keep you from making wrong turns, or following the bad directions
13 Of those who are lost themselves and can't tell a trail from a tumbleweed,
14 These losers who make a game of evil and throw parties to celebrate perversity,
15 Traveling paths that go nowhere, wandering in a maze of detours and dead ends.
16 Wise friends will rescue you from the Temptress-- that smooth-talking Seductress
17 Who's faithless to the husband she married years ago, never gave a second thought to her promises before God.
18 Her whole way of life is doomed; every step she takes brings her closer to hell.
19 No one who joins her company ever comes back, ever sets foot on the path to real living.
20 So--join the company of good men and women, keep your feet on the tried and true paths.
21 It's the men who walk straight who will settle this land, the women with integrity who will last here.
22 The corrupt will lose their lives; the dishonest will be gone for good.
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.