Where There Is No Vision
“Where there is no vision the people perish.” (Proverbs 29: 18)
The New King James translates it, “Where there is no revelation the people cast off restraint…” Meaning, if people don’t know what to do, they don’t do anything or they do their own thing. Cause and consequence are explained in this text.
The word translated “vision” is CHAZON. It is not a reference to the ability to see the future. It refers to the will and purpose of God being made known.
God has not left us without inspired guidance. He has given us His divinely inspired word, the Bible. Where it is not known and/or applied, it has a natural consequence. It is summed up in the word “perish.” The meaning of the Hebrew word for “perish” means “let loose, run wild.” That is, resenting and resisting authority. When restraints are cast off there is chaos in the life of individuals and anarchy in society. Thus, in keeping with the word meaning, they “perish.”
You may ignore the instructions in a cookbook recipe and find the result not as tasty as it would have been if you had followed it to the letter of the law.
The last portion of the text raises questions. First “…but happy is he who keeps the law.” (Vs, 18b) The expression “keeps the law” is a reference to doing God’s will. It means obedience. What is your answer?
One definition of sin is “missing the mark.” That is, not being on target with God’s will for you. Aristotle said, “We stand a better chance of hitting the target if we can see it.” Knowing God’s word enables you to be on target.
One reason so many Christians are missing the mark of God’s will is that they haven’t studied the Word to understand His will on various issues.
One of Eugene O’Neill’s characters is made to say: “You can’t build a marble temple out of mud and manure.” That is so obviously true that it seems strange that we still try. The word of God is the substance for building. Second question, is the Lord well-pleased with your work? Does He find great delight in your diligence in study of His word? Is He pleased with your attitude over the vision of the church to reach, teach, win, and develop people? Is your spirit of cooperation pleasing to Him? Is He pleased with your dedication? The cost that counts is the service that costs. Are you willing to pay the cost of service?
“Happy is he who keeps the law.” A literal translation would be: “He who obeys the will of God finds true self-fulfillment.” Self-fulfillment? Yes!
Do you have it? Do you want it? You can have it.
“… happy is he who keeps the law.” (Vs, 18b)