A few days ago, I attended a “modern” church service; it was my second time to attend a modern service. I guess my age shows, as I like the traditional service better. I don’t know why: maybe it is because I grow up with tradition. Regardless, I find the traditional service much more soothing and peaceful; I feel much more serene when it is over.
This all got me to thinking of the Bible’s poetry. So I looked at two versions of my favorite biblical poem – Psalm 23. Below is the Good News Bible version which sets forth the poem in standard everyday English. Further is the King James version, which of course is in historical terms. While both are beautiful, I still find myself preferring tradition.
Psalm 23 – Good News Bible Version
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in fields of green grass,
And leads me to the quiet pools of fresh water.
He gives me new strength.
He guides me in the right paths,
As he has promised.
Even if I go through the deepest darkness,
I will not be afraid, Lord,
For you are with me.
Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me.
You prepare a banquet for me,
Where all my enemies can see me.
You welcome me as an honored guest,
And fill my cup to the brim.
I know that your goodness and love,
Will be with me all my life;
And your house will be my
Home as long as I live.
Psalm 23 – King James Version
The Lord is my Shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green
pastures: he leadth me beside the
still waters.
He restoreth my soul:he leadth me
in the paths of righteousness for his
name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no
evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and
thy staff comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in
the presence of mine enemies: thou
annointest my head with oil; my cup
runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow
me all the days of my life: and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
[...] Jim and Friends’ Poetry placed an interesting blog post on Psalm 23 – Modern or TraditionHere’s a brief overviewA few days ago, I attended a “modern” church service; it was my second time to attend a modern service. I guess my age shows, as I like the traditional service better. I don’t know why: maybe it is because I grow up with tradition. Regardless, I find the traditional service much more soothing and peaceful; I feel much more serene when it is over. This all got me to thinking of the Bible’s poetry. So I looked at two versions of my favorite biblical poem – Psalm 23. Below is the Good News [...]
Thanks.