Today
let's look at the different Bible versions from Proverb 29:18. As you
consider each one ask yourself these questions:
What
is the problem in each version?
What
is the result of the problem?
How
does “But God” change the outcome?
Where there is no
revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds
wisdom’s instruction. (NIV)
If people can’t see what
God is doing, They stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he
reveals, they are most blessed. (Message)
Where there is ignorance
of God, crime runs wild; but what a wonderful thing it is for a nation to know
and keep his laws.(LB)
Where there is no word
from God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been
taught are happy. (NCV)
Where there is no
prophecy, the people cast off restraint, but happy are those who keep the law.
(NRSV)
Where there is no
vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
(KJV)
Vision
is vital to Christian living. Those who grew up memorizing KJV remember this
translation. Where there is no vision,
the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. (KJV)
The
word vision (revelation) means “to
mentally perceive or to contemplate”. The word translated perish
(restraint) is used in the OT as “to go
back”. In Numbers 14:3 God’s wandering people wanted to “go back” to Egypt. Those who have no
vision, no perception of what they could be, seem to have no clear direction in
their Christian journey.
Before
every great undertaking in life there is someone who has a vision for the task
ahead. Every Christ follower needs to discover God’s vision for their life.
Amen?
