Vision, Clarity, Understanding

Was reading in proverbs today. Came to one that many people are familiar with, Proverbs 29:18
Take a look at the widely different translations and then lets’ talk.

NIV
Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law

The Message
If people can't see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves;But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.

New Living Translation
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

New American Standard
18Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, But happy is he who keeps the law.

KJV
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

NCV
Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy.

TNIV
Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;but blessed are those who heed wisdom's instruction.

Amplified
Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish; but he who keeps the law [of God, which includes that of man]--blessed (happy, fortunate, and enviable) is he.

Young’s literal Translation
Without a Vision is a people made naked, And whoso is keeping the law, O his happiness!

NRSV
Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint, but happy are those who keep the law.


So, . . . an interesting buffet of words to choose from, No?
Look at the broad range of translation of the Hebrew word pronounced phonetically in English: chazòn A text book for studying biblical Hebrew called a BDB Dictionary lays out these possible definitions

vision
vision (in ecstatic state)
vision (in night)
vision, oracle, prophecy (divine communication)
vision (as title of book of prophecy)

You can almost see where different groups of translators chose their particular meaning and took off in that particular direction. I lean toward the third offering of the definition so with that I am going to try to offer a comprehensive statement of what we are looking at in this witty proverb

“When in the course of human events” (okay so that’s not very original, but it is relative) people do not receive, or worse yet reject, an opportunity to know God, it’s not going to be a pretty sight. They will not have a revelation (understanding) of who He is, and therefore an understanding of what His will is for their lives. This vision, revelation, understanding, prophecy, Word of God is intended to give meaning, direction, protection and discipline in their lives. It is at worst beneficially instructional guidelines for living but spiritually it is life giving and essential. It is the forth telling of truth: the inarguable reality of who God is and what our interactive relationship with Him is supposed to be.

Without this divine communication, the people will live a wild life, have no moral standard, be accountable to no one, have no sense of meaning and purpose to their life, be subject to a march toward anarchy and be found “naked” or spiritually dead. Not knowing the Truth they will stumble over themselves believing in and falling for anything.

But with an understanding of who God is, they will joyfully and willingly obey the Law knowing that it delights the Lord to do so. They will be blessed, favored by God. They will receive wisdom from God. They will strive to avoid sin. They will have order and respect in their lives but most importantly they will have purpose and meaning to their lives individually and as a people.

Knowing the God who created us, having a divine communication from Him, gives us a sense of belonging; a sense of knowing whose we are. It gives us a deeper richer understanding of the origins of love, righteousness, holiness, grace, mercy, justice, good and evil, and a host of other things related to understanding God.

Having that revelation given to us also helps us understand that we are participants in God’s plans. Sometimes we are the “messenger”, If we do not pass on the message someone will “perish.” Sometimes we are the “huggers” extending God’s love. Sometimes we are the “forgivers”, extending God’s mercy. Sometimes we are the “blessing giver” extending grace: giving to others things not earned or deserved.

Given the BDB definitions of chaòzoòn I cannot totally rule out receiving a vision in the form of a dream or ecstatic concept of what tomorrow holds but I don’t think I can buy into its application where some can take it. Have you ever seen anyone take just the first stanza of the verse (usually from the KJV translation), spice it with some cultural influence and tell you that this is instruction to the church to come up with a 1, 5, and 10 year plan for ministry with measurable goals, objectives and strategies? Not that these things are evil but is church meant to look like a business?

In his book, Ruthless Trust, Brennan Manning tells about a reporter named John Kavanaugh who sought clarity about what to do with his life. (I would interpret this to have a contemporary application of vision for his life). He had volunteered to work at "The House of the Dying" in Calcutta, founded by Mother Teresa. Before they parted ways, Mother Teresa asked him, “What can I do for you?” He replied by asking that she pray for him. “What do you want me to pray for?” she asked. “Pray," he said, "that I have clarity.”

Her abrupt response took him aback. “No," she told him, "I will not do that.” When he asked why not, she told him, “Clarity is the last thing you are clinging to and must let go of.” When Mr. Kavanaugh observed that she seemed to have the kind of clarity he wanted, she laughed out loud and told him, “I have never had clarity; what I have always had is trust. So I will pray that you trust God.”

Is it possible that we can have such an understanding of God that we simply blindly trust Him?

JOhn 17: 25-26
Righteous Father though the world does not know you, I know you and they know you have sent me. I have made you known to them and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.


Lord,
Help me to continue to learn what chazòn really is!
"In the secret in the quiet place I want to know you more"
Help me to relay your "Divine communication," the liberating message of the gospel , to other people.
Lead me to your laws that I might find happiness and joy in obeying them and pleasing You.
Help me to blindly trust You.

Open my eyes if I am to receive something such as a “vision.”
Help me to know that it would truly be from You!

In Jesus Name I Pray.
Amen

Stay close to Jesus
REG