« | Psalm 141 | » |
1 A David psalm. GOD, come close. Come quickly! Open your ears--it's my voice you're hearing!
2 Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising; my raised hands are my evening prayers.
3 Post a guard at my mouth, GOD, set a watch at the door of my lips.
4 Don't let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company. And these people who only do wrong-- don't let them lure me with their sweet talk!
5 May the Just One set me straight, may the Kind One correct me, Don't let sin anoint my head. I'm praying hard against their evil ways!
6 Oh, let their leaders be pushed off a high rock cliff; make them face the music.
7 Like a rock pulverized by a maul, let their bones be scattered at the gates of hell.
8 But GOD, dear Lord, I only have eyes for you. Since I've run for dear life to you, take good care of me.
9 Protect me from their evil scheming, from all their demonic subterfuge.
10 Let the wicked fall flat on their faces, while I walk off without a scratch. A David prayer--when he was in the cave.
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.