English Standard Version ESV
The Message Bible MSG
1 My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.
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My heart bursts its banks, spilling beauty and goodness. I pour it out in a poem to the king, shaping the river into words:
2 You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.
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"You're the handsomest of men; every word from your lips is sheer grace, and God has blessed you, blessed you so much.
3 Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty!
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Strap your sword to your side, warrior! Accept praise! Accept due honor! Ride majestically! Ride triumphantly!
4 In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!
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Ride on the side of truth! Ride for the righteous meek! "Your instructions are glow-in-the-dark;
5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.
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you shoot sharp arrows Into enemy hearts; the king's foes lie down in the dust, beaten.
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
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"Your throne is God's throne, ever and always; The scepter of your royal rule measures right living.
7 you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;
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You love the right and hate the wrong. And that is why God, your very own God, poured fragrant oil on your head, Marking you out as king from among your dear companions.
8 your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
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"Your ozone-drenched garments are fragrant with mountain breeze. Chamber music - from the throne room - makes you want to dance.
9 daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.
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Kings' daughters are maids in your court, the Bride glittering with golden jewelry.
10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house,
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"Now listen, daughter, don't miss a word: forget your country, put your home behind you.
11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.
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Be here - the king is wild for you. Since he's your lord, adore him.
12 The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.
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Wedding gifts pour in from Tyre; rich guests shower you with presents."
13 All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
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(Her wedding dress is dazzling, lined with gold by the weavers;
14 In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her.
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All her dresses and robes are woven with gold. She is led to the king, followed by her virgin companions.
15 With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.
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A procession of joy and laughter! a grand entrance to the king's palace!)
16 In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth.
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"Set your mind now on sons - don't dote on father and grandfather. You'll set your sons up as princes all over the earth.
17 I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
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I'll make you famous for generations; you'll be the talk of the town for a long, long time."
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
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.