The Message Bible MSG
World English Bible WEB
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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<<For the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." A contemplation by the sons of Korah. A wedding song.>> My heart overflows with a noble theme. I recite my verses for the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.
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 excellent of the sons of men. Grace has anointed 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, mighty one, Your splendor and your 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 on victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness. Let your right hand display 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. The nations fall under you, with arrows in the heart of the king's enemies.
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, God, is forever and ever. A scepter of equity is the scepter of your kingdom.
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 above your fellows.
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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All your garments smell like myrrh, aloes, and cassia. Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made you glad.
9 Kings' daughters are maids in your court, the Bride glittering with golden jewelry.
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Kings' daughters are among your honorable women. At your right hand the queen stands 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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Listen, daughter, consider, and turn your ear. Forget your own people, and also your father's house.
11 Be here - the king is wild for you. Since he's your lord, adore him.
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So will the king desire your beauty, Honor him, for he is your lord.
12 Wedding gifts pour in from Tyre; rich guests shower you with presents."
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The daughter of Tyre comes with a gift. The rich among the people entreat your favor.
13 (Her wedding dress is dazzling, lined with gold by the weavers;
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The princess inside is all glorious. Her clothing is 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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She shall be led to the king in embroidered work. The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to you.
15 A procession of joy and laughter! a grand entrance to the king's palace!)
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With gladness and rejoicing shall they be led. They shall enter into the king's palace.
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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Your sons will take the place of your fathers. You shall 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 make your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks 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 World English Bible is in the public domain.