The Message Bible MSG
King James Version KJV
1 I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise.
1
I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy:
2
My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3 Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out.
3
O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4 God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.
4
I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him.
5
They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
6 When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.
6
This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.
7
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8 Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see - how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.
8
O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
9 Worship God if you want the best; worship opens doors to all his goodness.
9
O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.
10 Young lions on the prowl get hungry, but God-seekers are full of God.
10
The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.
11 Come, children, listen closely; I'll give you a lesson in God worship.
11
Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Who out there has a lust for life? Can't wait each day to come upon beauty?
12
What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?
13 Guard your tongue from profanity, and no more lying through your teeth.
13
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.
14 Turn your back on sin; do something good. Embrace peace - don't let it get away!
14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
15 God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan.
15
The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
16 God won't put up with rebels; he'll cull them from the pack.
16
The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you.
17
The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath.
18
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Disciples so often get into trouble; still, God is there every time.
19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
20 He's your bodyguard, shielding every bone; not even a finger gets broken.
20
He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
21 The wicked commit slow suicide; they waste their lives hating the good.
21
Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.
22 God pays for each slave's freedom; no one who runs to him loses out.
22
The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.
The King James Version is in the public domain.