« | Proverbs 6 | » |
1 Dear friend, if you've gone into hock with your neighbor or locked yourself into a deal with a stranger,
2 If you've impulsively promised the shirt off your back and now find yourself shivering out in the cold,
3 Friend, don't waste a minute, get yourself out of that mess. You're in that man's clutches! Go, put on a long face; act desperate.
4 Don't procrastinate-- there's no time to lose.
5 Run like a deer from the hunter, fly like a bird from the trapper!
6 You lazy fool, look at an ant. Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two.
7 Nobody has to tell it what to do.
8 All summer it stores up food; at harvest it stockpiles provisions.
9 So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing? How long before you get out of bed?
10 A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy--do you know what comes next?
11 Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, poverty your permanent houseguest!
12 Riffraff and rascals talk out of both sides of their mouths.
13 They wink at each other, they shuffle their feet, they cross their fingers behind their backs.
14 Their perverse minds are always cooking up something nasty, always stirring up trouble.
15 Catastrophe is just around the corner for them, a total smash-up, their lives ruined beyond repair.
16 Here are six things GOD hates, and one more that he loathes with a passion:
17 eyes that are arrogant, a tongue that lies, hands that murder the innocent,
18 a heart that hatches evil plots, feet that race down a wicked track,
19 a mouth that lies under oath, a troublemaker in the family.
20 Good friend, follow your father's good advice; don't wander off from your mother's teachings.
21 Wrap yourself in them from head to foot; wear them like a scarf around your neck.
22 Wherever you walk, they'll guide you; whenever you rest, they'll guard you; when you wake up, they'll tell you what's next.
23 For sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path.
24 They'll protect you from wanton women, from the seductive talk of some temptress.
25 Don't lustfully fantasize on her beauty, nor be taken in by her bedroom eyes.
26 You can buy an hour with a whore for a loaf of bread, but a wanton woman may well eat you alive.
27 Can you build a fire in your lap and not burn your pants?
28 Can you walk barefoot on hot coals and not get blisters?
29 It's the same when you have sex with your neighbor's wife: Touch her and you'll pay for it. No excuses.
30 Hunger is no excuse for a thief to steal;
31 When he's caught he has to pay it back, even if he has to put his whole house in hock.
32 Adultery is a brainless act, soul-destroying, self-destructive;
33 Expect a bloody nose, a black eye, and a reputation ruined for good.
34 For jealousy detonates rage in a cheated husband; wild for revenge, he won't make allowances.
35 Nothing you say or pay will make it all right; neither bribes nor reason will satisfy him.
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.