« | Proverbs 28 | » |
1 The wicked are edgy with guilt, ready to run off even when no one's after them; Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions.
2 When the country is in chaos, everybody has a plan to fix it-- But it takes a leader of real understanding to straighten things out.
3 The wicked who oppress the poor are like a hailstorm that beats down the harvest.
4 If you desert God's law, you're free to embrace depravity; if you love God's law, you fight for it tooth and nail.
5 Justice makes no sense to the evilminded; those who seek GOD know it inside and out.
6 It's better to be poor and direct than rich and crooked.
7 Practice God's law--get a reputation for wisdom; hang out with a loose crowd--embarrass your family.
8 Get as rich as you want through cheating and extortion, But eventually some friend of the poor is going to give it all back to them.
9 God has no use for the prayers of the people who won't listen to him.
10 Lead good people down a wrong path and you'll come to a bad end; do good and you'll be rewarded for it.
11 The rich think they know it all, but the poor can see right through them.
12 When good people are promoted, everything is great, but when the bad are in charge, watch out!
13 You can't whitewash your sins and get by with it; you find mercy by admitting and leaving them.
14 A tenderhearted person lives a blessed life; a hardhearted person lives a hard life.
15 Lions roar and bears charge-- and the wicked lord it over the poor.
16 Among leaders who lack insight, abuse abounds, but for one who hates corruption, the future is bright.
17 A murderer haunted by guilt is doomed--there's no helping him.
18 Walk straight--live well and be saved; a devious life is a doomed life.
19 Work your garden--you'll end up with plenty of food; play and party--you'll end up with an empty plate.
20 Committed and persistent work pays off; get-rich-quick schemes are ripoffs.
21 Playing favorites is always a bad thing; you can do great harm in seemingly harmless ways.
22 A miser in a hurry to get rich doesn't know that he'll end up broke.
23 In the end, serious reprimand is appreciated far more than bootlicking flattery.
24 Anyone who robs father and mother and says, "So, what's wrong with that?" is worse than a pirate.
25 A grasping person stirs up trouble, but trust in GOD brings a sense of well-being.
26 If you think you know it all, you're a fool for sure; real survivors learn wisdom from others.
27 Be generous to the poor--you'll never go hungry; shut your eyes to their needs, and run a gauntlet of curses.
28 When corruption takes over, good people go underground, but when the crooks are thrown out, it's safe to come out.
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.