« | Psalm 31 | » |
1 A David psalm. I run to you, GOD; I run for dear life. Don't let me down! Take me seriously this time!
2 Get down on my level and listen, and please--no procrastination! Your granite cave a hiding place, your high cliff aerie a place of safety.
3 You're my cave to hide in, my cliff to climb. Be my safe leader, be my true mountain guide.
4 Free me from hidden traps; I want to hide in you.
5 I've put my life in your hands. You won't drop me, you'll never let me down.
6 I hate all this silly religion, but you, GOD, I trust.
7 I'm leaping and singing in the circle of your love; you saw my pain, you disarmed my tormentors,
8 You didn't leave me in their clutches but gave me room to breathe.
9 Be kind to me, GOD-- I'm in deep, deep trouble again. I've cried my eyes out; I feel hollow inside.
10 My life leaks away, groan by groan; my years fade out in sighs. My troubles have worn me out, turned my bones to powder.
11 To my enemies I'm a monster; I'm ridiculed by the neighbors. My friends are horrified; they cross the street to avoid me.
12 They want to blot me from memory, forget me like a corpse in a grave, discard me like a broken dish in the trash.
13 The street-talk gossip has me "criminally insane"! Behind locked doors they plot how to ruin me for good.
14 Desperate, I throw myself on you: you are my God!
15 Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me.
16 Warm me, your servant, with a smile; save me because you love me.
17 Don't embarrass me by not showing up; I've given you plenty of notice. Embarrass the wicked, stand them up, leave them stupidly shaking their heads as they drift down to hell.
18 Gag those loudmouthed liars who heckle me, your follower, with jeers and catcalls.
19 What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you, Ready and waiting for all who run to you to escape an unkind world.
20 You hide them safely away from the opposition. As you slam the door on those oily, mocking faces, you silence the poisonous gossip.
21 Blessed GOD! His love is the wonder of the world. Trapped by a siege,
22 I panicked. "Out of sight, out of mind," I said. But you heard me say it, you heard and listened.
23 Love GOD, all you saints; GOD takes care of all who stay close to him, But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone.
24 Be brave. Be strong. Don't give up. Expect GOD to get here soon.
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.