WHERE THERE IS NO VISION, THE PEOPLE PERISH

Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law, happy is he (Proverbs 29:18 KJV).

Motivational speakers love to use this verse.  Life isn't static.  If one does not have a vision of what he or she can achieve and aspire to then one is doomed to a life of being ordinary and under achievement.  When the motivational speaker talks about vision he is talking about setting lofty goals and having great aspirations because anything less is not fulfilling the purpose for which God put us on this earth for.  There is a lot of truth in the motivational approach to this verse, but that is not the purpose for which it was written.

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law (Proverbs 29:18 NIV).

The New International Version makes the purpose of the verse a little more clear.  The vision spoken of in the King James Version is a prophetic vision--it is a word from God.  If people do not get a word from the Lord, they cast off restraint, doing what ever seems right in their own eyes.  In the days before all Scripture was recorded in the Bible, prophetic vision was essential for the guidance of God's people, but now that Scripture is freely available to anyone who desires, there is no need for additional revelation.  After John wrote the book of Revelation on Patmos, the need for miraculous revelation through visions ended.

I'm not saying that God will not give us a vision for what is possible in our personal lives and in our churches because when the Holy Spirit is involved, things beyond all that we can ask or think can happen!  However, in terms of new prophetic doctrinal revelation, Holy Spirit pronounces a curse on any who would add or subtract from the words of this book.

Father in Heaven, give me a vision of service and achievement in your kingdom.  May I not be found as a lazy and slothful servant because I had no vision.

Our Father's Blessings,
Tom