« | Proverbs 3 | » |
1 Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands.
2 They'll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well.
3 Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
4 Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.
5 Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.
6 Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.
7 Don't assume that you know it all. Run to GOD! Run from evil!
8 Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!
9 Honor GOD with everything you own; give him the first and the best.
10 Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.
11 But don't, dear friend, resent GOD's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction.
12 It's the child he loves that GOD corrects; a father's delight is behind all this.
13 You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madame Insight.
14 She's worth far more than money in the bank; her friendship is better than a big salary.
15 Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
16 With one hand she gives long life, with the other she confers recognition.
17 Her manner is beautiful, her life wonderfully complete.
18 She's the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her. Hold her tight--and be blessed!
19 With Lady Wisdom, GOD formed Earth; with Madame Insight, he raised Heaven.
20 They knew when to signal rivers and springs to the surface, and dew to descend from the night skies.
21 Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life; don't for a minute lose sight of them.
22 They'll keep your soul alive and well, they'll keep you fit and attractive.
23 You'll travel safely, you'll neither tire nor trip.
24 You'll take afternoon naps without a worry, you'll enjoy a good night's sleep.
25 No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner,
26 Because GOD will be right there with you; he'll keep you safe and sound.
27 Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person.
28 Don't tell your neighbor, "Maybe some other time," or, "Try me tomorrow," when the money's right there in your pocket.
29 Don't figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor when he's sitting there trusting and unsuspecting.
30 Don't walk around with a chip on your shoulder, always spoiling for a fight.
31 Don't try to be like those who shoulder their way through life. Why be a bully?
32 "Why not?" you say. Because GOD can't stand twisted souls. It's the straightforward who get his respect.
33 GOD's curse blights the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder, but if you're down on your luck, he's right there to help.
35 Wise living gets rewarded with honor; stupid living gets the booby prize.
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.