« | Proverbs 7 | » |
1 Dear friend, do what I tell you; treasure my careful instructions.
2 Do what I say and you'll live well. My teaching is as precious as your eyesight--guard it!
3 Write it out on the back of your hands; etch it on the chambers of your heart.
4 Talk to Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion.
5 They'll be with you to fend off the Temptress-- that smooth-talking, honey-tongued Seductress.
6 As I stood at the window of my house looking out through the shutters,
7 Watching the mindless crowd stroll by, I spotted a young man without any sense
8 Arriving at the corner of the street where she lived, then turning up the path to her house.
9 It was dusk, the evening coming on, the darkness thickening into night.
10 Just then, a woman met him-- she'd been lying in wait for him, dressed to seduce him.
11 Brazen and brash she was, restless and roaming, never at home,
12 Walking the streets, loitering in the mall, hanging out at every corner in town.
13 She threw her arms around him and kissed him, boldly took his arm and said,
14 "I've got all the makings for a feast-- today I made my offerings, my vows are all paid,
15 So now I've come to find you, hoping to catch sight of your face--and here you are!
16 I've spread fresh, clean sheets on my bed, colorful imported linens.
17 My bed is aromatic with spices and exotic fragrances.
18 Come, let's make love all night, spend the night in ecstatic lovemaking!
19 My husband's not home; he's away on business, and he won't be back for a month."
20 (SEE 7:19)
21 Soon she has him eating out of her hand, bewitched by her honeyed speech.
22 Before you know it, he's trotting behind her, like a calf led to the butcher shop, Like a stag lured into ambush
23 and then shot with an arrow, Like a bird flying into a net not knowing that its flying life is over.
24 So, friends, listen to me, take these words of mine most seriously.
25 Don't fool around with a woman like that; don't even stroll through her neighborhood.
26 Countless victims come under her spell; she's the death of many a poor man.
27 She runs a halfway house to hell, fits you out with a shroud and a coffin.
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.