The Book of Proverbs KJV/Message: Celebrating 400 Years of Scripture

by Eugene H. Peterson (Translator), Donald S. Whitney

At the 1604 Hampton Court Conference, James I, the first king of both England and Scotland, was persuaded that a new Bible translation was needed and ordered work to begin. Little did he know that this new Bible’s influence would be felt around the world. Today, the King James Version is viewed as a cornerstone of the church, Western culture, and the development of the English language. To celebrate the KJV’s 400th anniversary and the tenth anniversary of The Message , this parallel Bible presents the book of Proverbs in both versions. Read the verses both ways to appreciate the language of James I’s court and the contemporary speech of today.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith, Devotional, Parenting, Self Help

160 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 1995

About the author

Eugene H. Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He had written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of the Bible. After retiring from full-time teaching, Eugene and his wife Jan lived in the Big Sky Country of rural Montana. He died in October 2018.

Reviews

[Sher · Rating 2 out of 5]

I generally like the Message translation of the Bible, because it is so immediate, forceful, and alive. This translation of Proverbs follows, but, as often happens to me when I read Christian literature, I found the condemnatory tone of dos and don'ts off putting.

[Colleen]

Wisdom from the Source, our Creator! I invite everyone to check this out. The Message rocks!

[Joan Haughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book of wisdom. This book has taught me so much about life. Proverbs is a road map to health, wealth, peace and protection. It is a good book to read a chapter a day of to gain, knowledge, insight and understanding.

Bless the name of Jesus!

[LaDonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get wisdom, get understanding.

[Helfren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Direct interpretation of the bible Proverb into the modern world. Quite good. Surprising.

[Danny Howe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

[Ian Watt]

really fresh version of proverbs.

[Jason Kanz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently, I was looking for a pocket volume of the Proverbs. I poked around on Amazon and didn't find much, but I did come across a small book based on Eugene Peterson's "The Message" paraphrase. At three-and-a-half bucks, it seemed like an easy decision. At 112 pages and about the size of a standard photograph, this one was the perfect size. I can slip it into my pocket to bring with me. Although, not my traditional translation, Peterson's rendering of the Proverbs packs a real punch. For example 15:33 reads "God smashes the pretensions of the arrogant; he stands with those who have no standing." I would happily recommend this to those interested in a pocket Proverbs book.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book from Tyndale Rewards.com because I wanted to take up the challenge of reading the book of Proverbs daily.

What I like about this book is that it is simple to read. No footnotes, columnar references, or study helps. It is just the book of Proverbs with side-by-side readings of two translations of Scripture.

It is a great devotional book and an excellent source of reading of the most popular books of the Bible.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Proverbs contains amazing wisdom to help a person live their life in a way that is wise and successful. The Message translation is accurate and easy to read and understand.

[Audra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skipped around and read what felt right to me at that moment.

[Cheryl Lowman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I try to read a chapter a night, every night. It is great advice worth reading over and over again.

[Jared Bercea · Rating 5 out of 5]

words of wisdom translated in today's language.

[James Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spent a week with Proverbs and for me this version might have been a little too modernized for my liking, but it is still all good reading!!