For the full context of this post read Proverbs 29:18.
If you only read one version of the Bible, I encourage you to branch out and read a few others. Mobile applications provide you access to any version you want to explore, so you don’t need to worry about adding another book on the stack of dusty Bibles! The wording from one version to another may be easier for you to understand. One version may be clear to you, but another version may be plain to me. Each version of the Bible conveys the same message, but difference in wording can provide greater description and allow you to see a fuller picture of the Word. Reading more than one version of the Bible helps me to understand Scripture and to recognize it as alive and active, rather than just words in an old book. I have included six versions of Proverbs 29:18. Read each one.
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18, KJV).
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction (Proverbs 29:18, NIV).
Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law (Proverbs 29:18, ESV).
Where there is no message from God, people don’t control themselves. But blessed is the one who obeys wisdom’s instruction (Proverbs 29:18, NIRV).
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful (Proverbs 29:18, NLT).
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 (Proverbs 29:18, Message).
As a kid, I memorized this verse as “without a vision the people perish.” In some ways this verse was a life planning guide. As long as I had a vision for life, I was good to go! When I studied other versions of this verse, I realized that my visions of a life planning guide could easily lead to the people perishing! The vision that is needed for life planning is redemptive revelation from God; it is his word and his vision.
Reread Proverbs 29:18. I want to have a vision and know what is going to happen next in life. When I plan my vision I have missed the mark. I want to be in control, but if I want to know what happens next in life, I need to surrender my vision for God’s. I need to read the divine revelation which has been given in the Bible. Then I need to attend to what it says, and do it. When I recognize this, Proverbs 29:18 can no longer be used as my life’s planning guide to check off my five, ten, or twenty year goals. Proverbs 29:18 requires a daily commitment to follow God’s vision. It leaves no clear cut information of what kind of car, house, or bank account I will have in the future, but it guarantees that if I follow his vision I will have joy and blessing in my life. So I’m getting rid of my perishable plans, and am stepping out to follow God’s vision. I hope you join me on the journey!
Versions used in this post include:
English Standard Version (ESV)
King James Version (KJV)
Message
New International Version (NIV)
New International Version Revised (NIVR)
New Living Translation (NLT)
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