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