Provérbios 29

Provérbios 29:18

Guzik - Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint: a. The revelation in mind here is not the spontaneous word from a purported prophet. It is God’s great revelation, His revealed word through the Hebrew prophets and later the apostles and prophets who gave us the New Testament. When God’s word is unavailable or rejected, the people cast off restraint. They no longer have a standard greater than their own feelings or current opinions. i. Other translations (such as the King James Version) express this in these words: where there is no vision, the people perish. This has often been taken to say, “Where there is no visionary leadership, people and enterprises fail.” That is often a true principle, but not what Solomon wrote here. There is little doubt that the Hebrew word hazon means “God’s revelation,” and not “visionary leadership.” “In sum, hazon refers here to the sage’s inspired revelation of wisdom.” (Waltke) ii. “The word hazon refers to divine communication to prophets (as in 1 Samuel 3:1) and not to individual goals that are formed.” (Ross) iii. Revelation: “…is to be taken in its exact sense of the revelation a prophet receives.” (Kidner) iv. “Where Divine revelation, and the faithful preaching of the sacred testimonies, are neither reverenced nor attended, the ruin of that land is at no great distance.” (Clarke) v. “No greater calamity, therefore, can there be than the removal of the revelation…. Where revelation is withdrawn from a church, the people perish in ignorance and delusion.” (Bridges) b. The people cast off restraint: This principle was lived out in Israel’s history. Judges 17:6, 21:25, and 1 Samuel 3:1 all describe such times when God’s word was abandoned, and the people lived with no restraint. i. Cast off restraint: “Or, is made naked; stripped of their best ornaments, God’s favour and protection, as this word is taken, Exodus 32:25.” (Poole) c. Happy is he who keeps the law: In contrast, there is happiness and contentment for the one who keeps the law. In this sense, the Bible is something like a guide given to us by our owner and creator, telling us how to live a wise and blessed life. It is within restraint, but not in an oppressive sense. Only a fool thinks that all restraint is oppressive. i. He who keeps the law: “Although the want of God’s word be sufficient for men’s destruction, yet the having, and hearing, or reading of it is not sufficient for their salvation, except they also keep or obey it.” (Poole) QUESTION - What does it mean that without vision the people perish? ANSWER - The King James Version of Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” Some have used this verse to emphasize the importance of vision in leadership. Without a long-term plan—without a vision—people are doomed to wander aimlessly. Of course, it is true that having an idea of where one is headed helps in getting there. Proverbs 29:18 is not talking about having a business or ministry vision. Other translations of the Bible help clarify the point of Proverbs 29:18 for modern readers. The NIV puts it this way: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” The ESV has, “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but blessed is he who keeps the law.” The “vision” in this verse refers to a divine communication as from a dream, revelation, or prophecy. The same Hebrew word used in Proverbs 29:18 is found in 1 Samuel 3:1 in the context of the rarity of the word of the Lord and the infrequency of prophetic visions. It is also used to introduce the prophetic books of Isaiah and Obadiah and several of the visions of Daniel. Lack of vision, then, is a lack of God’s revelatory word. Proverbs 29:18 says that “the people perish” where there is no vision. The word translated “perish” or “cast off restraint” in the original means “to loosen” and thus “to expose or uncover.” The same Hebrew word is used in Exodus 32:25 during the golden calf incident: “Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies” (emphasis added). It is also used in Leviticus regarding uncovering one’s head or letting one’s hair hang loose (Leviticus 10:6; 13:45; 21:10). Other proverbs use the same word to denote “ignoring” or “neglecting” instruction (Proverbs 1:25; 8:33; 13:18; 15:32) and “avoiding” the path of the wicked (Proverbs 4:15). With this we understand that, without the Word of God, people are “loose”; that is, they go their own way. They live without restraint. Ultimately, living in such a way will lead to death because to ignore God’s way is to ignore the way of life (Romans 6:23). So what is the remedy to such lethal waywardness? The next part of Proverbs 29:18 tells us: “Blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” We are blessed when we keep God’s directives. Psalm 19 elaborates on the perfection and trustworthiness of God’s Word. His precepts “are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes” (Psalm 19:8). David, the psalmist here, goes on to describe God’s decrees as “more precious than gold” and “sweeter than honey” (verse 10). He writes, “By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (verse 11). Lest anyone be confused, this is not a call to legalism. Life is not found in our ability to obey a list of dos and don’ts. Within Psalm 19 we see indications of relationship with God. David talks about the fear of the Lord being pure (verse 9), he calls himself God’s servant (verse 13), and he calls God his “LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (verse 14). When Jesus named the greatest commandment, He referred to the command to love God (Mark 12:28–34). Our obedience to God and our keeping of His Word flow from a relationship in which we are loved by God and we love Him in return (1 John 4:7–10). Hebrews 1:1–2 says, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” Jesus has come into the world as the living Word of God (John 1:1, 14). God has also given us the written Word, the Bible. When we fail to read God’s Word and live it out in our lives, we become people “without vision.” When we ignore God’s Word, we begin to live without restraint to our own peril. Conversely, when we heed God’s Word, we are blessed. Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9–11). God has given us His Word, and He calls us to be faithful to it. In keeping God’s Word, we will find joy in Him. GotQuestions.org Charles Wood has an excellent sermon outline on Pr 29:18KJV entitled "No Vision". Here are the opening points of his outline… Introduction: Sometimes the Scriptures are misused, especially by ignorance. Sometimes those who know the Bible well misuse it in certain places. Usually it is not serious, but rather a right truth from the wrong passage. This often makes us miss some good teaching. This verse is a case in point. I. Corrected Interpretation A. Common 1. “No vision” — failure to see opportunity 2. “People perish” — people are lost and go to hell B. Correction 1. “Vision” — word which has reference to revelation (word refers to revelation of God’s will through any agent) 2. “Perish” — cast off restraint, become ungovernable C. Continuation 1. The second part of verse 18 gives the clue to interpreting the first 2. Meaning — “Where there is no proclamation of God’s revelation, people cast off restraint and become ungovernable” (For the complete outline see Sermon Outlines on the Book of Proverbs.: Kregel Publications - well done) The Septuagint (LXX) translation of Proverbs 29:18 is interesting for it reads BGT ou me huparche exegetes ethenei paranomo ho de phulasson ton nomon makaristos Here is my paraphrase of the Greek… Where there is existing absolutely no revelation from God, the people are undisciplined, out of control (Ex 32:25) and run wild, but in striking contrast are those who will be fully satisfied regardless of the circumstances (meaning of Greek word makarios) because they continually (present tense) guard the treasure (phulasso = like a watchman standing guard to keep something valuable from being lost or snatched away [cp Mt 13:19]) of God's Word. It is notable that vision is translated with the Greek exegetes the verb form (exegeomai in Lk 24:35) of which means literally to lead out, to unfold, to declare, to tell, to provide detailed information in a systematic manner) Exegetes obviously gives us our English word “exegesis” which can be defined as the unfolding of the interpretation through teaching of Scripture. America's pulpits need modern day prophets who rightly dividing the Word of Truth so that they might proclaim sound doctrine which in turn produces "salty saints"! The upshot is that when those who have been called as prophets fail to speak thus saith the LORD regardless of whether it is "politically incorrect" or "seeker unfriendly" (Jer 1:17,18,19), the result will be a people that "run wild" (spiritually, morally, ethically) so that it becomes very difficult to discern the difference between the church and the world (see kosmos)! To reiterate, vision in Pr 29:18 does not refer to far-sighted imagination, as is commonly interpreted by some preachers! No wonder the Church is in such ill health. No bread, no growth! (Dt 8:3, 1Pe 2:2,3-note). Proverbs 29:18 teaches that when there is not correct exegesis of the Scripture, the people are in one sense (emphasized by the Hebrew word para') uncovered and open to deception and on the other side (as emphasized by the Greek word paranomos used to translate the Hebrew para' - paranomos is from para = side + nomos = law and means literally beside the law) act contrary to the Law. It does not mean they did not know the Law but that they act as if it had been placed at their side (para = side + nomos = law) (cp Lk 11:28). BDAG on paranomos = pertaining to being contrary to the law, lawless. We need men and women who will rightly divide Scripture, not just teaching the Law, but teaching how to live the Christ life in His grace and power, because He was the Only One Who was able to truly live the "Christian" life. Lord, give us men who are controlled by the Holy Ghost and therefore will speak "Thus saith the Lord… " not shrinking back from declaration of the whole counsel of God's Word, so that then Your people will be adequate for every good work and able to glorify (to give a proper opinion of) Your Name. Amen. Paranomos (from para = side + nomos - law) is most often found as an adjective - pertaining to being contrary to the law, lawless. Ps 36:38 "Transgressors will be altogether destroyed." (Ps 37:38). 'Dt 13:13 = "worthless men." 2Sa 16:7, 2Sa 20:1 = "worthless fellow", 1Ki 21:10, 13, 2Chr 13:7 = "worthless men." (paranomōs as an adverb = unlawfully; illegally. 2x - זִמָּה 1—plan; infamy, shameful behavior - Pr 21:27 illegally Job 34:20) Definitions below relate to the adjective paranomos. Liddell-Scott - παρανομος, ον, lawless, violent, ὀργά, δάκος, E.Ba.997 (lyr.), Tr.284 (lyr.); π. δὴ .. δόξει γεγονέναι ἐκ νομίμου Pl.R.539a; εἰς γυναῖκας καὶ εἰς τὴν ἄλλην δίαιταν Antisth.ap.Ath.5.220c; χειρὶ παρανομωτάτῃ Ar.Fr.387.10; οὗ .. τίς ἂν δύναιτο παρανομώτερον φράσαι; Anaxil.22.2. II. of things, unlawful, διὰ τὴν π. ἐνοίκησιν Th.2.17; τὰ π. τὰ τʼ ἀνόσια Ar.Th.684; πέπονθα δεινὰ καὶ π. Id.Pl.967; ἄδικα καὶ π. Pl.Ap.31e; τὸ π. illegality, Aeschin.3.197. Adv. -μως illegally, Antipho 5.94, Th.3.65; opp. κατὰ νόμους, Pl.Plt.302e: Comp. -ωτέρως And.4.22: Sup. -ώτατα Antipho 5.8. 2. in Law, παράνομα γράφειν, εἰπεῖν, to propose an illegal or unconstitutional measure, D.21.182, 183; παρανόμων γράψασθαί τινα to indict one for proposing such a measure, And.1.17; γράφοντα παράνομα παρανόμων γραφόμενος D.18.13; παρανόμων γραφή Aeschin.3.197, etc.; παρανόμων φεύγειν, ἁλῶναι, Lys.18.14, Antiph.196.14: Sup., παρανομώτατα γεγραφότα Aeschin.3.31. Lexham Analytical Lexicon to the Septuagint: paranomos, adj., lawless; unlawful. 71× +AF Hebrew Alignment בְּלִיַּ֫עַל—uselessness, wickedness; adj. good for nothing (9): Dt 13:13; Jdg 19:22; 2 Kgdms 16:7; 20:1; 23:5; 3 Kgdms 20:10; 2 Ch 13:7; Ps 40:9; 100:3 בגד—deal treacherously with; depart treacherously from (6): Pr 2:22; 11:6; 13:2; 22:12; 23:28; 25:19 חָנֵף—godless (2): Job 17:8; 20:5 פֶּ֫שַׁע—crime; offence concerning property; wantonness; misdemeanor; wrongdoing (2): Ps 35:2; Pr 19:8 זֵד—insolent, presumptuous (2): Ps 85:14; 118:85 חָמָס—violence, wrong (2): Pr 4:17; 16:29 אָ֫וֶן—evil; calamity; sin, injustice; deception; false, idolatrous (2): Pr 6:12; 17:4 Unique Hebrew Alignment בֵּן 1—son; young animal; grandson; member: Dt 13:13; עַוָּל—criminal, sinner: Job 27:7; הלל 3—be infatuated; make look foolish; make a mockery of; act like a madman: Ps 5:6; פשׁע—break with or away from; behave as a criminal; disloyal: Ps 36:38; סֵעֵף—divided, disunited, futile: Ps 118:113; לוז—escape someone’s sight; go wrong, crookedness, cunning: Pr 3:32; רַע—badly made, of small worth, poor; contemptible, evil, reprobate: Pr 4:14; בושׁ 1—be ashamed; put to shame, act shamefully: Pr 10:5; חָכָם—skillful; clever, experienced; wise man: Pr 11:30; מְזִמָּה—project, plan; wicked plan, scheme; discretion, prudence: Pr 12:2; ליץ—brag, speak boastfully; scoff, deride; encourage scorn; put on airs: Pr 14:9; זָר—strange, different; heterogeneous, illicit; unauthorized; non-Israelite; prohibited; other: Pr 22:14; כְּסִיל 1—stupid; insolent: Pr 26:3; תְּרוּמָה—contribution; offering: Pr 29:4; רָשָׁע—guilty; wicked person: Pr 29:12; פרע—let free; make someone go out of control, allow to run wild; leave unattended: Pr 29:18 English Gloss lawless (16): Pr 1:18; 21:24; 28:17a; Sus 28; 1 Mac 1:11; 2 Mac 8:4; 3 Mac 2:17; 4 Mac 9:4; Ps Sol 4:11, 13, 21, 27; 12:title, 1, 4; 17:27 lawless ones (4): Ps Sol 12:3, 4; 14:4; Sus 32 (var.) unlawful (3): Wis 3:16; 2 Mac 4:14; 6:21 wicked (3): 1 Mac 1:34; 10:61; 11:21 lawlessness (1): Jdg 20:13 lawless one (1): 2 Mac 13:7 wicked men (1): Sus 32 antithetical to the Law (1): 2 Mac 4:11 Paranomos - 45v - Deut. 13:13; Jdg. 19:22; Jdg. 20:13; 2 Sam. 16:7; 2 Sam. 20:1; 2 Sam. 23:5; 1 Ki. 21:10; 1 Ki. 21:13; 2 Chr. 13:7; Job 17:8; Job 20:5; Job 27:7; Ps. 5:5; Ps. 36:1; Ps. 37:38; Ps. 41:8; Ps. 86:14; Ps. 101:3; Ps. 119:85; Ps. 119:113; Prov. 1:18; Prov. 2:22; Prov. 3:32; Prov. 4:14; Prov. 4:17; Prov. 6:12; Prov. 10:5; Prov. 11:6; Prov. 11:30; Prov. 12:2; Prov. 13:2; Prov. 14:9; Prov. 16:29; Prov. 17:4; Prov. 19:11; Prov. 21:24; Prov. 22:12; Prov. 22:14; Prov. 23:28; Prov. 25:19; Prov. 26:3; Prov. 28:17; Prov. 29:4; Prov. 29:12; Prov. 29:18 Chr. Ridley Pearson - Counsels of the Wise King or Proverbs of Solomon Applied to Daily life, Volume 2 - December 15th “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”—29:18. Interpretation.—The revelation of God’s will made to prophets is called by this same word, “vision” (Isa. 1:1; Nah. 1:1). The word rendered “perish” (margin, “is made naked”) signifies literally to be left to run wild, like a horse without a rein. The general meaning is clear. A people deprived of the divine teaching through the human ministry is sure to break loose from all restraint of God’s law, and so become exposed to His wrath. On the contrary, how happy is he who, with whatever advantages, be they many or few, not only enjoys the knowledge of the law, but also keeps it! Illustrations.—In the days when Samuel was born “the Word of the Lord was precious,” or rare; “there was no open vision,” and, as a consequence, great lawlessness prevailed: “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (1 Sam. 3:1; Judg. 21:25). The renunciation of the Aaronic priesthood by Jeroboam and his people—what sin and misfortune it entailed! (1 Kings 12:28, etc., 14:15, 16). Judah, through the impiety of Ahaz loosing her from all restraints of God’s law, was “brought low” and “made naked,” or exposed to His wrath (2 Chron. 28:19). The holy obedience of the first Christians under a duly appointed and faithful ministry, as contrasted with their previous state “as sheep having no shepherd” (Mark 6:34), points to the same truth. Application.—Our Lord has taught that “Blessed are they who hear the Word of God, and keep it” (Luke 11:28). But an Apostle has asked, “How shall they hear without a preacher?” And again, “How shall they preach except they be sent?” (Rom. 10:14, 15). The need of a divinely commissioned ministry for dispensing the Word of Life is thus clearly implied. The absence of it is as injurious to the interests of morality and religion in our day as formerly. Hence, every Christian should do his best to promote the maintenance of a wise and learned and holy body of clergy for the national instructors. If not myself called to belong to it, I may perhaps influence and help others, of whose fitness I am assured, in that direction. I may promote colleges for their training, or contribute to their support when ordained. I may at least pray heartily for them in private, in church, at all times, specially at the Ember seasons. Further, I may assist to diffuse their teaching among the masses by aiding home mission societies to send them forth. For what worse famine can a land endure than of the Word of God (Amos 8:11)? Or what sorer peril can overtake a people than that her prophets be “removed into a corner”? Where There Is No Vision Dr. Melvin Worthington SCRIPTURE: PROVERBS 29:18 INTRODUCTION: A word from God is essential to the well-being of individuals and nations. One writer translates the verse, “Without a revelation a people become ungovernable...” 1 The Precepts. “Where there is no revelation....” God’s revelation clearly, concisely and convincingly gives people the proper perspective regarding earthly and eternal things. 2 The Peril. “the people cast off restraint....” Without a word we have no message, morals, mission, ministry, methods, ministers—and no miracle of conversion. God’s Word confronts, convinces, convicts, corrects, cleanses and changes us. 3 The Peace. The last part of Proverbs 29:18 tells us genuine happiness flows from obedience to the Word of God. Those who are ruled by the Bible are happy; not just the hearers of the law, but the doers. (Jas 1:22+) CONCLUSION: If you need vision in your life, turn to God and His Word. Hear it, heed it, and find it your hope. David Rudolph - Without a prophetic vision, the people throw off all restraint (Prov. 29:18). Have you ever considered the relationship between chazon (prophetic vision) and the keeping of the Torah? How are they related? In addition to “prophetic vision,” chazon can also mean “prophetic revelation” or “current revelation.” Thus, we might translate the passage, “Where there is no current prophetic revelation, there is lawlessness.” God’s Torah needs to be proclaimed—to groups, to congregations, to society. If not, lawlessness, paganism, secular control and sin will pervade. Moshe (Moses), for example, was the voice of God to the children of Israel after they left Eygpt. Through him, God revealed his will, his direction and his laws. Moshe was God’s prophetic voice. As long as the word of the Lord was proclaimed, the people followed the laws of God. When Moshe departed to the mountain to receive the commandments from the Lord, the people fell into idolatry, gross sin and lawlessness. The prophetic voice had ceased. Today, we are called to be prophetic voices to our people and our nation. Like Moshe, we must proclaim God’s Word and call our people back to him. We are the salt of the earth, called to preserve godliness and prevent decay. Let’s begin our work today! Today I Will … pray, “Lord, make me a prophetic voice to my people and my nation. Give me boldness to speak the truth in love and not hide my light.” F B