« | Psalm 37 | » |
1 A David psalm. Don't bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked.
2 In no time they'll shrivel like grass clippings and wilt like cut flowers in the sun.
3 Get insurance with GOD and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last.
4 Keep company with GOD, get in on the best.
5 Open up before GOD, keep nothing back; he'll do whatever needs to be done:
6 He'll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon.
7 Quiet down before GOD, be prayerful before him. Don't bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.
8 Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your pipes--it only makes things worse.
9 Before long the crooks will be bankrupt; GOD-investors will soon own the store.
10 Before you know it, the wicked will have had it; you'll stare at his once famous place and--nothing!
11 Down-to-earth people will move in and take over, relishing a huge bonanza.
12 Bad guys have it in for the good guys, obsessed with doing them in.
13 But GOD isn't losing any sleep; to him they're a joke with no punch line.
14 Bullies brandish their swords, pull back on their bows with a flourish. They're out to beat up on the harmless, or mug that nice man out walking his dog.
15 A banana peel lands them flat on their faces-- slapstick figures in a moral circus.
16 Less is more and more is less. One righteous will outclass fifty wicked,
17 For the wicked are moral weaklings but the righteous are GOD-strong.
18 GOD keeps track of the decent folk; what they do won't soon be forgotten.
19 In hard times, they'll hold their heads high; when the shelves are bare, they'll be full.
20 God-despisers have had it; GOD's enemies are finished-- Stripped bare like vineyards at harvest time, vanished like smoke in thin air.
21 Wicked borrows and never returns; Righteous gives and gives.
22 Generous gets it all in the end; Stingy is cut off at the pass.
23 Stalwart walks in step with GOD; his path blazed by GOD, he's happy.
24 If he stumbles, he's not down for long; GOD has a grip on his hand.
25 I once was young, now I'm a graybeard-- not once have I seen an abandoned believer, or his kids out roaming the streets.
26 Every day he's out giving and lending, his children making him proud.
27 Turn your back on evil, work for the good and don't quit.
28 GOD loves this kind of thing, never turns away from his friends. Live this way and you've got it made, but bad eggs will be tossed out.
29 The good get planted on good land and put down healthy roots.
30 Righteous chews on wisdom like a dog on a bone, rolls virtue around on his tongue.
31 His heart pumps God's Word like blood through his veins; his feet are as sure as a cat's.
32 Wicked sets a watch for Righteous, he's out for the kill.
33 GOD, alert, is also on watch-- Wicked won't hurt a hair of his head.
34 Wait passionately for GOD, don't leave the path. He'll give you your place in the sun while you watch the wicked lose it.
35 I saw Wicked bloated like a toad, croaking pretentious nonsense.
36 The next time I looked there was nothing-- a punctured bladder, vapid and limp.
37 Keep your eye on the healthy soul, scrutinize the straight life; There's a future in strenuous wholeness.
38 But the willful will soon be discarded; insolent souls are on a dead-end street.
39 The spacious, free life is from GOD, it's also protected and safe.
40 GOD-strengthened, we're delivered from evil-- when we run to him, he saves us.
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.