That is a photo I took a couple years ago of River Phillip in Cumberland County, NS. I was just looking at it and thought of Proverbs 27:19. (No, I don't have the bible memorized, the words just came into my head, and I googled them to find the passage!)
I am quite fascinated with all the different versions of the bible (it is uber easy to look them up on sites such as BibleGateway.) I find that the various translations range from very subtle differences in wording to "wow, are these even the same book??" Often it's the latter instances that open the door to a better understanding though, because I have to stop and really think about the underlying meaning in order to figure out how the different translations can possibly be related.
Here are three translations of Proverbs 27:19. Interesting that The Message version seems so internally focussed, while the others seem more about relationships with others. (I love the NRSV version myself.)
Proverbs 27:19 (The Message)
Just as water mirrors your face,
so your face mirrors your heart.
Proverbs 27:19 (New Revised Standard Version NRSV)
Just as water reflects the face,
so one human heart reflects another.
Proverbs 27:19 (Contemporary English Version)
You see your face in a mirrorand your thoughts
in the minds of others.
As I was looking at The Message version of Proverbs 27, I saw also these lines:
14 If you wake your friend in the early morning by shouting "Rise and shine!" It will sound to him more like a curse than a blessing.
...which literally made me burst out laughing!! It so reminds me of a recent story told by a friend of mine (which person shall remain nameless for the sake of privacy...lol) about her best friend/roommate through university, who evidently understood that any real human interaction before 11am in the morning was just wrong. My response to that last part was "uh oh, I must suck as a friend then, 'cause I've come barging in your door at 7:30am looking for coffee & conversation!" She claimed otherwise, but now I know she was secretly cursing me for arriving at such an ungodly hour... ;)
Proverbs 27:9 (The Message)
Just as lotions and fragrance give sensual delight,
a sweet friendship refreshes the soul.
Comments (17)
I love when you do this...post variations on the scripture. Such a beautiful passage. Thank you
Posted by Barb Cabot | February 6, 2009 12:57 AM
Posted on February 6, 2009 00:57
Anne--what a totally beautiful picture. You are right--it totally reflects the biblical words--whatever translation you choose. God's words describe His creation.
Posted by Jane | February 6, 2009 1:59 AM
Posted on February 6, 2009 01:59
That is an amazing photo, Anne!
Posted by candi | February 6, 2009 2:39 AM
Posted on February 6, 2009 02:39
Hi Anne, this is a very interesting post. Thanks for posting that great link.
I love that beautiful photo of the cloud reflections in the water.
Very thoughtful post and made me smile. Thank you Anne! Have a great day tomorrow.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | February 6, 2009 2:59 AM
Posted on February 6, 2009 02:59
I always enjoy reading your blog. :) Beautiful picture too.
One of these days, I will visit NS as I have cousins in Halifax.
Posted by Eden | February 6, 2009 3:04 AM
Posted on February 6, 2009 03:04
What a nice post!
Posted by Cindy Ruth | February 6, 2009 4:06 AM
Posted on February 6, 2009 04:06
Barb, thanks so much for saying so. I am always glad to hear that people like these entries!
Thanks Jane, I love that images of creation and words of scripture fit so beautifully together!
Candi, Nova Scotia is a gorgeous corner of the world. Although quite the opposite direction from where you're headed! Have to admit, as I gaze out the window at the snow, I am a tad envious that you are off to Hawaii!!
Kathy, how wonderful to know this made you smile :) What a perfect way to start off the day!
Eden, I wonder if I know your cousins. Odds are not great though since I live outside the city and just commute there for work. But wouldn't it be cool if I did! Be sure to let me know if you do come up for a visit, would be nice to meet you in person!
Thanks Cindy Ruth, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Posted by Anne | February 6, 2009 8:23 AM
Posted on February 6, 2009 08:23
Gorgeous photo! And the translation comparisons are interesting - they are VERY different! thanks for the head's up about Bible Gateway too - sounds like a cool site.
Happy Friday! :)
Posted by Annie | February 6, 2009 10:42 AM
Posted on February 6, 2009 10:42
Happy Friday to you too, Annie :) I thought that was a cool site too. After posting this, I found another site that shows several translations right on the same page. http://net.bible.org/home.php
Posted by Anne | February 6, 2009 12:40 PM
Posted on February 6, 2009 12:40
Beautiful photo, Anne, and a very interesting post. Quite different interpretations makes life so interesting! I must check out the link you left above for Annie.
Posted by sandrac | February 6, 2009 3:39 PM
Posted on February 6, 2009 15:39
Thanks Sandra, differences really do add depth to all aspects of life, don't they? By the way, NetBible doesn't seem to include The Message, which is the most untraditional version that I have come across. But it is neat to see many interpretations listed on the same page.
Posted by Anne | February 6, 2009 5:17 PM
Posted on February 6, 2009 17:17
Gorgeous reflection! It makes me think of the process we go through when we reflect on our lives and hope to see such a stunning visual as this...well, we can hope, anyway!
Posted by Brenda | February 7, 2009 12:17 AM
Posted on February 7, 2009 00:17
Thanks Brenda, I agree, such glorious images add an extra dimension to our reflections. The wonder and beauty of nature never ceases to amaze me! ♥
Posted by Anne | February 7, 2009 9:16 AM
Posted on February 7, 2009 09:16
Gorgeous photo! I love reflection photos. It looks like a very peaceful place.
Posted by girasoli | February 7, 2009 4:49 PM
Posted on February 7, 2009 16:49
Beautiful photo and passage. I love the last proverb you posted. So true.
Posted by Maria I. | February 7, 2009 7:05 PM
Posted on February 7, 2009 19:05
I love the photo you picked. It went so perfectly with the passages.
Posted by nancyhol | February 7, 2009 10:55 PM
Posted on February 7, 2009 22:55
girasoli, Maria & Nancy - thanks! I might enlarge the photo and get it framed with that passage as a caption. I too just love the combination!
Posted by Anne | February 8, 2009 9:04 AM
Posted on February 8, 2009 09:04