Mark me as one who would caution reading outside sources more than the Scripture itself. Yes, other resources can be helpful, but whenever possible, go to the source.
The analogy I would liken it to is this: you can learn a lot about your wife by talking to her friends. You may gain insight about her by talking to her family. But to really know your wife and to have a relationship with your wife, you need to spend more time with your wife and listening to her than her friends or family.
I prefer the ESV version. The Message and some others may be a good tool for grasping the over-arching story and narratives, I wouldn't lean too hard there for sound theological study.
