« | Psalm 38 | » |
1 A David psalm. Take a deep breath, GOD; calm down-- don't be so hasty with your punishing rod.
2 Your sharp-pointed arrows of rebuke draw blood; my backside smarts from your caning.
3 I've lost twenty pounds in two months because of your accusation. My bones are brittle as dry sticks because of my sin.
4 I'm swamped by my bad behavior, collapsed under gunnysacks of guilt.
5 The cuts in my flesh stink and grow maggots because I've lived so badly.
6 And now I'm flat on my face feeling sorry for myself morning to night.
7 All my insides are on fire, my body is a wreck.
8 I'm on my last legs; I've had it-- my life is a vomit of groans.
9 Lord, my longings are sitting in plain sight, my groans an old story to you.
10 My heart's about to break; I'm a burned-out case. Cataracts blind me to God and good;
11 old friends avoid me like the plague. My cousins never visit, my neighbors stab me in the back.
12 My competitors blacken my name, devoutly they pray for my ruin.
13 But I'm deaf and mute to it all, ears shut, mouth shut.
14 I don't hear a word they say, don't speak a word in response.
15 What I do, GOD, is wait for you, wait for my Lord, my God--you will answer!
16 I wait and pray so they won't laugh me off, won't smugly strut off when I stumble.
17 I'm on the edge of losing it-- the pain in my gut keeps burning.
18 I'm ready to tell my story of failure, I'm no longer smug in my sin.
19 My enemies are alive and in action, a lynch mob after my neck.
20 I give out good and get back evil from God-haters who can't stand a God-lover.
21 Don't dump me, GOD; my God, don't stand me up.
22 Hurry and help me; I want some wide-open space in my life!
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.