Hi there, I hope you’re having a great week this week. In reading through the two chapters I picked up on the theme of leadership and that applies to so much of our lives doesn’t it. For all those who don’t think they are a leader, I would encourage you to think about what your role as a disciple maker is. I think all of of have the capacity and responsibility to lead others toward Jesus. To be an influencer that makes a positive difference.
This led me to the focus verse for the week. Proverbs 29:18.
Proverbs 29:18
As I was preparing to study I asked God to show me something that I can learn from or need to change in my life. I hope that you are approaching your time in the Word in a similar way. Not just opening the book and reading as though it were another chapter in a Nancy Drew novel, but recognizing these words are from God’s mouth to enable you to know Him and grow to be more like Him.
Proverbs 29:18 stood out. Funny thing, as I read it in my NIV Bible it was reminding me of a verse I remembered about where there is a lack of vision the people perish. So of course, since I have yet to add the discipline in my life to memorize references I had to go to the internet to find that “where there is a lack of vision people perish” verse. Low and behold, it was the same verse. Ha!
I thought I would look at the language used in several other translations as well.
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. KJV (1611, word for word)
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. NIV (1978, balanced)
Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy. NCV (1991, balanced)
Without guidance from God law and order disappear, but God blesses everyone who obeys his Law. CEV (1995, thought for thought)
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. NLT (1996, balanced)
Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law. ESV (2001, word for word)
In the parenthesis, I added the published followed by the type of translation. I find that to be helpful, hope you do too.
more resources
I also read a great article on the subject in “Got Questions”. Interestingly they also listed through several versions to get a slightly different perspective. It’s like looking at the same subject from different vantage points. Same truth. The same lessons apply. But sometimes different terminology makes us think a little more deeply, at least that is true for me.
my lessons
One lesson is the necessity of purpose.
From personal experience, I can say that a list is just essential to keep me on track. It is like a vision piece or a purpose tracker. I can prioritize what goes on the A list the B list and maybe a C list.
In a broader sense, a good leader provides the vision for a company or a group, or a family. Their ability to communicate that vision is what draws and binds people together. It gives direction and also provides the guidelines and borders that make the team function optimally. Right? That is true in the secular world and for a godless family. Together they can accomplish a great deal when they are bound with something compelling. But that is all temporary.
What is the point?
Isn’t that exactly it? Knowing and believing in the vision or purpose behind what you’re doing keeps you motivated to continue to connect and contribute to that greater good.
Getting back to my list, the greater good might be managing the household or family well or it might be simply keeping your own time and energy managed well so that you can reduce stress and be a better friend, co-worker, or neighbor.
Getting back to the verse, purpose/vision provides the structure that alleviates boredom, and the chaos that can follow without the guidelines of something people care about.
The second lesson is about the necessity of obedience.
Giving God the reigns of your life and allowing Him to be your purpose and provide your vision is what builds a foundation for all the blessings and happiness you can imagine.
Obedience is God’s love language. We can’t lose sight of that truth.
All of these phrases like “to those who obey”, or “whoever keeps the law” or “whoever heeds wisdom” give us the critical bridge to go from a helpless hopeless uncontrolled and unfulfilled life to one that full and rewarding.
start here
It is hard to back out of old habits. I think that knowing your “why” is the best place to start. If you are more interested in happiness, blessings and joy than stress, chaos, or boredom this verse is a place to begin.
How do I move from the former to the latter?
- Recognize the purpose and plan God has for you. I will make it simple. We are to make disciples. In other words, we are to help any and everyone we can take steps closer to Jesus. This brings honor and glory to God and it loves people in the most complete way possible. That is the vision that keeps you from crumbling.
- Knowing God’s will, staying connected with Him, and doing what He’s asked will allow HIM to produce the joy that will bless your life.
🥰