« | Psalm 10 | » |
1 GOD, are you avoiding me? Where are you when I need you?
2 Full of hot air, the wicked are hot on the trail of the poor. Trip them up, tangle them up in their fine-tuned plots.
3 The wicked are windbags, the swindlers have foul breath.
4 The wicked snub GOD, their noses stuck high in the air. Their graffiti are scrawled on the walls: "Catch us if you can!" "God is dead."
5 They care nothing for what you think; if you get in their way, they blow you off.
6 They live (they think) a charmed life: "We can't go wrong. This is our lucky year!"
7 They carry a mouthful of hexes, their tongues spit venom like adders.
8 They hide behind ordinary people, then pounce on their victims.
9 They mark the luckless, then wait like a hunter in a blind; When the poor wretch wanders too close, they stab him in the back.
10 The hapless fool is kicked to the ground, the unlucky victim is brutally axed.
11 He thinks God has dumped him, he's sure that God is indifferent to his plight.
12 Time to get up, GOD--get moving. The luckless think they're Godforsaken.
13 They wonder why the wicked scorn God and get away with it, Why the wicked are so cocksure they'll never come up for audit.
14 But you know all about it-- the contempt, the abuse. I dare to believe that the luckless will get lucky someday in you. You won't let them down: orphans won't be orphans forever.
15 Break the wicked right arms, break all the evil left arms. Search and destroy every sign of crime.
16 GOD's grace and order wins; godlessness loses.
17 The victim's faint pulse picks up; the hearts of the hopeless pump red blood as you put your ear to their lips.
18 Orphans get parents, the homeless get homes. The reign of terror is over, the rule of the gang lords is ended.
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.