« | Proverbs 23 | » |
1 When you go out to dinner with an influential person, mind your manners:
2 Don't gobble your food, don't talk with your mouth full.
3 And don't stuff yourself; bridle your appetite.
4 Don't wear yourself out trying to get rich; restrain yourself!
5 Riches disappear in the blink of an eye; wealth sprouts wings and flies off into the wild blue yonder.
6 Don't accept a meal from a tightwad; don't expect anything special.
7 He'll be as stingy with you as he is with himself; he'll say, "Eat! Drink!" but won't mean a word of it.
8 His miserly serving will turn your stomach when you realize the meal's a sham.
9 Don't bother talking sense to fools; they'll only poke fun at your words.
10 Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines or cheat orphans out of their property,
11 For they have a powerful Advocate who will go to bat for them.
12 Give yourselves to disciplined instruction; open your ears to tested knowledge.
13 Don't be afraid to correct your young ones; a spanking won't kill them.
14 A good spanking, in fact, might save them from something worse than death.
15 Dear child, if you become wise, I'll be one happy parent.
16 My heart will dance and sing to the tuneful truth you'll speak.
17 Don't for a minute envy careless rebels; soak yourself in the Fear-of-GOD--
18 That's where your future lies. Then you won't be left with an armload of nothing.
19 Oh listen, dear child--become wise; point your life in the right direction.
20 Don't drink too much wine and get drunk; don't eat too much food and get fat.
21 Drunks and gluttons will end up on skid row, in a stupor and dressed in rags.
22 Listen with respect to the father who raised you, and when your mother grows old, don't neglect her.
23 Buy truth--don't sell it for love or money; buy wisdom, buy education, buy insight.
24 Parents rejoice when their children turn out well; wise children become proud parents.
25 So make your father happy! Make your mother proud!
26 Dear child, I want your full attention; please do what I show you.
27 A whore is a bottomless pit; a loose woman can get you in deep trouble fast.
28 She'll take you for all you've got; she's worse than a pack of thieves.
29 Who are the people who are always crying the blues? Who do you know who reeks of self-pity? Who keeps getting beat up for no reason at all? Whose eyes are bleary and bloodshot?
30 It's those who spend the night with a bottle, for whom drinking is serious business.
31 Don't judge wine by its label, or its bouquet, or its full-bodied flavor.
32 Judge it rather by the hangover it leaves you with-- the splitting headache, the queasy stomach.
33 Do you really prefer seeing double, with your speech all slurred,
34 Reeling and seasick, drunk as a sailor?
35 "They hit me," you'll say, "but it didn't hurt; they beat on me, but I didn't feel a thing. When I'm sober enough to manage it, bring me another drink!"
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.