« | Proverbs 20 | » |
1 Wine makes you mean, beer makes you quarrelsome-- a staggering drunk is not much fun.
2 Quick-tempered leaders are like mad dogs-- cross them and they bite your head off.
3 It's a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.
4 A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall.
5 Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within.
6 Lots of people claim to be loyal and loving, but where on earth can you find one?
7 God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children.
8 Leaders who know their business and care keep a sharp eye out for the shoddy and cheap,
9 For who among us can be trusted to be always diligent and honest?
10 Switching price tags and padding the expense account are two things GOD hates.
11 Young people eventually reveal by their actions if their motives are on the up and up.
12 Ears that hear and eyes that see-- we get our basic equipment from GOD!
13 Don't be too fond of sleep; you'll end up in the poorhouse. Wake up and get up; then there'll be food on the table.
14 The shopper says, "That's junk--I'll take it off your hands," then goes off boasting of the bargain.
15 Drinking from the beautiful chalice of knowledge is better than adorning oneself with gold and rare gems.
16 Hold tight to collateral on any loan to a stranger; beware of accepting what a transient has pawned.
17 Stolen bread tastes sweet, but soon your mouth is full of gravel.
18 Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get.
19 Gossips can't keep secrets, so never confide in blabbermouths.
20 Anyone who curses father and mother extinguishes light and exists benighted.
21 A bonanza at the beginning is no guarantee of blessing at the end.
22 Don't ever say, "I'll get you for that!" Wait for GOD; he'll settle the score.
23 GOD hates cheating in the marketplace; rigged scales are an outrage.
24 The very steps we take come from GOD; otherwise how would we know where we're going?
25 An impulsive vow is a trap; later you'll wish you could get out of it.
26 After careful scrutiny, a wise leader makes a clean sweep of rebels and dolts.
27 GOD is in charge of human life, watching and examining us inside and out.
28 Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.
29 Youth may be admired for vigor, but gray hair gives prestige to old age.
30 A good thrashing purges evil; punishment goes deep within us.
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.