Bible Wisdom:  Psalms of Praise & Power

John Howard Reid

Review by Molly

John Howard Reid’s Bible Wisdom: Psalms of Praise & Power newly translated from the Greek Old Testament is a must have for those who enjoy reading Bible and especially Psalms.

Reid asks a question how many Psalms are there in the Bible?  Seems simple enough for those of us who are familiar with Kings James.  However, that is King James version and the correct answer, as Reid points out, is nobody knows.

Continuing Reid points out that psalms, odes, elegy and poems are scattered through the Old Testament, however for his new translation Reid has concerned himself only with the Biblical book entitled Psalms. To be considered for inclusion in this specific work; Reid winnowed out those odes which were duplications of others as well as any failing to meet Reid’s criteria of powerful or praiseworthy.  On the pages of this in this motivated and moving rendition Reid has chosen 84 stimulating works to give special attention through paraphrase and/or translation of the Greek Old Testament.

I have long read for study many translations, versions and edition of Scripture, however, I have a real feeling that nothing quite compares with the beauty of language found in the old English of The King James version.

Section One addresses Psalms of Praise & Power Literal Translations from the Greek Septuagint Bible.  While the words are not King James, the lovely power, support and joy found in the time worn, well thumbed editions are recognizable, easily read and powerfully presented.

I find comfort in the words ‘The Lord God has graciously accepted my prayer.  He has heard and harkened to my petition.’   The old cry ‘How long will you forget me, Lord God?  Is as poignant offered in the literal translation as is found in others.  However Reid rightly points out in the title that the answer is NEVER!   The literal translations continue across some 137 pages followed by a ten pages of footnotes and illuminating paragraphs. 

Section two begins on page 151.  Section two offers Psalms of Praise & power as Poetic Paraphrases from the Greek Septuagint. 

I enjoyed reading the beloved Shepherd Psalm in both literal translation, and in paraphrase from the Greek as I enjoy reading those comforting words in KJV, NIV, and any other version or translation I habitually read.

Writer, Biblical authority, seeker of all things interesting, Reid has chosen 82 Psalms for his work based on the Septuagint, the version of scripture often quoted by Christ and used as a basis for faith by many of the writers of the New Testament.

I found Reid’s collection of Psalms to be a nice well rounded selection of the often quoted old texts.  Included were those long credited to David as well as many penned by others, as is found in the various texts I read for Bible Study.  Reid includes some meant to uplift and other meant to edify, show the way or serve as a guideline for life.

I like that the elected Psalms are offered as paraphrase and as a literal translation.   For those who are more black and white in thinking the literal translation may have more appeal, for those of us who revel in words then the true to meaning but more poetic works will no doubt seem more than fitting.

Scattered throughout the work will be found many captivating black and white photos, lovely old woodcuts, and even a chorus or verse or two of well loved hymns. As a long time Bible Reader, and daily reader of Psalms, 5 a day means completing the book in a month and 12 times in a year, I recommend John Howard Reid’s Bible Wisdom:  Psalms of Praise & Power newly translated from the Greek Old Testament

Authors notes:  Most Bibles number the Psalms from 1 to 150. How exact numbers correspond to specific Psalms differs depending upon whether the reading is taken from Catholic, Protestant or Orthodox versions.