Are you studying intently to really understand a text or to teach others? Then use a solid translation like the NASB ESV or ESV.
Are you sitting on the couch for 15 minutes just wanting to sweep through a couple of chapters? The Message is for those times.
The Message is more a commentary than a translation.
I like reading different versions to understand the text. I’ll read NIV, King James, and The Message.
Sometimes, The Message makes it easier to understand.