Podcast Introduction

Today is Poetry Thursday. We’ll read Proverbs  29-30. We will read more contrasts between the wise and the foolish. Today we’re going to skip on this date in church history I’m calling today’s episode “Naive No More.“

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Comments on Proverbs 29

Chapter 29, verse 18 said, “Where there is no understanding of the Word of the Lord, the people do whatever they want to, but happy is he who keeps the law.” The NIV renders it this way: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” The English Standard Version says, “18Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” And for good measure, the King James Version translateth this verse thusly: “18Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”

I always like to look at several translations when I do a Bible study. It helps me get a better grasp of what is being taught. And I think the different translations here help to illuminate what God is telling us in this verse. 

You might remember that when we read through the book of Judges back in October and November there were several times in Judges where the text said something like, “And there were no kings in the land.” In other words, there was no one to lead the people, with the implication being “no one with an understanding of the Word of God.” And since the people were free to do as they wanted, many terrible things happened.

And isn’t that what verse 18 here is saying? “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”

When I was young and naive, I trusted the wisdom of the people. I believed that the voting public would make right decisions in electing people for office and in voting on issues. Yes, I was very naive. I’m not naive any more, and I certainly no longer believe in the wisdom of the people. Maybe it was true in the past, when our elected leaders (at least in public) honored the Word of God. Maybe. But now that the Bible is all but banned in the halls of government and politicians care more for pleasing lobbyists and following polls, and not being cancelled, than in doing what is right and moral and best for the country, the public have cast off restraint. There is no longer an overarching God fearing moral compass in the land. People without a respect and reverence of the Lord and His Word are, as a group, unhappy and selfish and rebellious. One has only to look at recent news reports to see examples of that. 

It is not until we fall on our knees and confess our sin and rebellion, and once again look to the Author of life and law will we see peace in our land and in our world. I’ve already told you that I believe that we are in the last days, so I’m not holding my breath for this change to happen. But I will also be the first to admit that I could be wrong. God has brought rebellious nations back to himself many times in the past, and perhaps He’ll do it in the future. I am sure of the fact that it is our job to pray for our nation and its people until our last dying breath, or until Jesus returns. 

Once more, let me read Proverbs 29:18. “Where there is no understanding of the Word of the Lord, the people do whatever they want to, but happy is he who keeps the law.”

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 29-30 NLV

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