« | Proverbs 22 | » |
1 A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.
2 The rich and the poor shake hands as equals-- GOD made them both!
3 A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.
4 The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-GOD is plenty and honor and a satisfying life.
5 The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick; if you know what's good for you, stay clear of it.
6 Point your kids in the right direction-- when they're old they won't be lost.
7 The poor are always ruled over by the rich, so don't borrow and put yourself under their power.
8 Whoever sows sin reaps weeds, and bullying anger sputters into nothing.
9 Generous hands are blessed hands because they give bread to the poor.
10 Kick out the troublemakers and things will quiet down; you need a break from bickering and griping!
11 GOD loves the pure-hearted and well-spoken; good leaders also delight in their friendship.
12 GOD guards knowledge with a passion, but he'll have nothing to do with deception.
13 The loafer says, "There's a lion on the loose! If I go out I'll be eaten alive!"
14 The mouth of a whore is a bottomless pit; you'll fall in that pit if you're on the outs with GOD.
15 Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough-minded discipline.
16 Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich--whichever, you'll end up the poorer for it.
17 Listen carefully to my wisdom; take to heart what I can teach you. You'll treasure its sweetness deep within;
18 you'll give it bold expression in your speech.
19 To make sure your foundation is trust in GOD, I'm laying it all out right now just for you.
20 I'm giving you thirty sterling principles-- tested guidelines to live by.
21 Believe me--these are truths that work, and will keep you accountable to those who sent you.
22 Don't walk on the poor just because they're poor, and don't use your position to crush the weak,
23 Because GOD will come to their defense; the life you took, he'll take from you and give back to them.
24 Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads.
25 Bad temper is contagious-- don't get infected.
26 Don't gamble on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, hocking your house against a lucky chance.
27 The time will come when you have to pay up; you'll be left with nothing but the shirt on your back.
28 Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines staked out long ago by your ancestors.
29 Observe people who are good at their work-- skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don't take a back seat to anyone.
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.