« | Proverbs 4 | » |
1 Listen, friends, to some fatherly advice; sit up and take notice so you'll know how to live.
2 I'm giving you good counsel; don't let it go in one ear and out the other.
3 When I was a boy at my father's knee, the pride and joy of my mother,
4 He would sit me down and drill me: "Take this to heart. Do what I tell you--live!
5 Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding! Don't forget one word! Don't deviate an inch!
6 Never walk away from Wisdom--she guards your life; love her--she keeps her eye on you.
7 Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
8 Throw your arms around her--believe me, you won't regret it; never let her go--she'll make your life glorious.
9 She'll garland your life with grace, she'll festoon your days with beauty."
10 Dear friend, take my advice; it will add years to your life.
11 I'm writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I'm drawing a map to Righteous Road.
12 I don't want you ending up in blind alleys, or wasting time making wrong turns.
13 Hold tight to good advice; don't relax your grip. Guard it well--your life is at stake!
14 Don't take Wicked Bypass; don't so much as set foot on that road.
15 Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth. Make a detour and be on your way.
16 Evil people are restless unless they're making trouble; They can't get a good night's sleep unless they've made life miserable for somebody.
17 Perversity is their food and drink, violence their drug of choice.
18 The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.
19 But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker-- travelers can't see a thing; they fall flat on their faces.
20 Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice.
21 Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
22 Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health.
23 Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts.
24 Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
25 Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions.
26 Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
27 Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.
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.