Proverbs 29:18: Where there is no (vision) revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law.
Insight
The familiar KJV “where there is no vision” is misleading. The word “vision” is the revelation a prophet receives. Also the KJV translation “the people perish” does not refer to unsaved people dying in sin. The verb means to cast off restraint. So the verse is stating that without God’s Word people abandon themselves to their own sinful ways. On the other hand keeping (obeying) God’s Law brings happiness. 1
Application
Now the boy Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no widespread revelation. 1 Samuel 3:1
The average household in America owns 4.4 Bibles. It is the most published book in the world, but it is seldom read. When was the last time you sat down to read the Word of God to learn about His revelation for your life? Can you purpose to find some quiet time with Him today? Will you ask Him to reveal His will to you before you read? Will you also be willing to do His will, before He reveals His will?
Motivation
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. James 1:25
His Word reveals His will to all those willing to hear…and willing to do. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, and the gift of Your Holy Word.
1. Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
