Misused Bible Verses, Example 1
False teachers, cult leaders and charlatans aren't the only people who misuse Bible verses. Well-intended believers may do the same, but for different reasons. Perhaps we fail to study a verse in a responsible way, or perhaps we assume that it means one thing and don't bother to double-check. Whatever the case, we must give greater diligence to reading, interpreting and teaching the Bible accurately (2 Tim 2:15). If we say that a verse means one thing but it means another, then we are wrong and the Word of God does not say what we say it says. Let's consider one such example.
Where There Is No Vision
Proverbs 29:18 famously declares, "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Though other English translations translate this differently (and more accurately), this KJV rendition remains quite popular and the NASB retains it. Unfortunately, it remains popular for wrong reasons rooted in a misunderstanding of the word vision.
Four-hundred years ago, during the period of the King James Bible, the word vision referred to divine revelation from God, whether spoken directly by a prophet or written down from the words of a prophet. Knowing this, the word vision served as an appropriate translation for Proverbs 29:18, since prophets often received messages from God through dreams and visions. The underlying Hebrew word, חָזוֹן (ḥā·zôn), refers to this phenomenon.
As of today, the word vision has shifted in meaning, referring to several other concepts. In a most general sense, it may refer to a person's eyesight. In some cases, it may still refer to a supernatural dream or vision (whether good or evil). But in a widely popular sense - used as a buzzword - it often refers to having a long-term, unifying outlook and strategic plan for a company, business or other institution.
The word vision has shifted in meaning.
As helpful as a strategic outlook may be (and it is helpful), Proverbs 29:18 does not promote this practice. Knowing this, we should exercise caution in using this verse to promote "vision-casting" for churches and believers today. For instance, this proverb does not encourage pastors to "get a vision" for the year ahead and to rally a church to that vision. Nor does it serve as the basis for "envisioning" a church building expansion project, an increase in church attendance, an increase in contributions to the general fund, or any other such exciting agenda. Using Proverbs 29:18 in this way is a clear example of using a Bible verse at random to teach a modern-day concept which is unrelated to the verse itself. This is misusing the Bible, whether you do so deliberately or by accident.
Furthermore, this verse - given in an Old Testament context - does not somehow demonstrate the need for continuing, ongoing prophetic revelation. Once the first-century apostles provided us with the complete, New Testament canon, God ceased his revelatory work, having supplied us with the doctrine we need "once for all" (Jude 3). For more about this important perspective, read New Testament Prophecy.
Where There Is No Exposure to Divine Revelation
Ultimately, this verse teaches the absolute need for regular exposure to divine revelation. That is why more recent English translations steer away from the buzzword vision.
Where there is no revelation (NKJV, NIV)
Where there is no prophetic vision ... (ESV, NET)
This verse does not focus on the act of divine revelation per se, as though there must always be a continuous stream of ongoing revelation coming directly from God. Instead, it emphasizes the need for people to be continually exposed to what God has revealed through prophetic visions and revelation. Today we enjoy access to sixty-six books of divine revelation, which we call the Bible, and which Paul called scripture (2 Tim 3:16), and which Peter called prophecy of scripture (2 Pet 1:20).
When we disregard what scripture tells us and live at a distance from the Bible, we place ourselves in a dangerous position. In principle, this is what Proverbs 29:18 teaches us, even today.
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But happy is he who keeps the law.
Proverbs 29:18 (NKJV)
Whenever a person or group of people distances themselves from the truth which God has revealed, they wander aimlessly and without restraint, like a Grizzly Bear roams the forests of Canada or like a Great White Shark roams the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Paul portrays this carefree, self-destructive lifestyle vividly in the introduction of his letter to the believers at Rome (Romans 1:18-32 ). But what is the opposite of this untamed lifestyle?
In the Old Testament, the better way would have been a life marked by fastidious obedience to the commands of the Mosaic Law. But today we have an even fuller perspective. While we no longer live in subjection to Old Testament regulations (Col 2:20), we are able to discover the will of God for ourselves by allowing scripture, both Old and New Testament alike, to "renew our minds" so that we think and act increasingly like Jesus (Rom 12:2).
So, what is your level of personal exposure to divine revelation?
Do you store it away in your heart for regular, personal contact (Psa 119:11)?
Do you often think about it for yourself (Josh 1:8)?
Do you speak about it frequently with others (Deut 6:6-9)?
Do you participate in regular church gatherings where you will be able to read and hear, learn and study the Word of God together with other Christians (Acts 2:42; Heb 10:25; 1 Tim 4:13)?
The less exposure you enjoy to scripture, the more you will live in an untamed and wild manner, unguarded and unguided by the will of God. But the more you increase your exposure to the Word of God, the more divine protection and guidance you will receive.
The more you increase your exposure to the Word of God, the more divine protection and guidance you will receive.
As you head into a new year, focus carefully on what the Bible says. Instead of "casting a vision" for the year ahead, focus instead of cultivating a clear and accurate perspective of what God has already said in scripture, building habits that increase your exposure to scripture. May you increase your attention to studying the Word of God carefully and allowing his words to guide your pathway, transforming the way that you think and influencing the way that you live in meaningful ways, leading to real and lasting change (Psa 119:105; Prov 3:5-6).
