I was searching at my favorite Bible tool site the other day for verses dealing with the tongue. There are many found in Proverbs, but sometimes I just don't quite get the gist of what the proverb is stating. The language doesn't always make sense to me.
I found some interesting verses in Proverbs 18 and decided to click on the option for comparing other translations. Although The Message is not a version I use, I must say that reading through the passage made the truths crystal clear. Some of the verses almost seemed humorous to me. Check out a few of my favorites...
1 Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.
2 Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.
4 Many words rush along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs.
6 The words of a fool start fights; do him a favor and gag him.
7 Fools are undone by their big mouths; their souls are crushed by their words.
8 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you really want junk like that in your belly?
13 Answering before listening is both stupid and rude.
17 The first speech in a court case is always convincing - until the cross-examination starts!
21 Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit - you choose.
24 Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family.
--Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved. (The Message)--
Very interesting words to ponder. Don't you think?
Pretty background! I love The Message. When I am having trouble comprehending the Word, it helps me to bring it all into perspective! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge Message fan, but it's good to read these in blunt English sometimes!
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