18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: But he that keepeth the law, happy is he KJV (Proverbs 29:18).
This is one of the most misused or misinterpreted verses in the Bible. It is widely used as a call for leadership to cast vision or as a confirmation to set goals and objectives. But this word, translated “vision,” is not from an earthly source but rather a God-given vision or revelation.
It’s actually a subtle call for pastors and church elders to humble themselves and seek the LORD for a fresh word from His lips and new anointing from His hands. It’s a call to study the Scriptures and show yourself approved. It’s a call for holy men and women everywhere to lift their hands in worship and seek, and knock, and ask, and then when you receive, to obey.
God is not interested in just giving a vision or a revelation for the sake of giving. He is interested in what you do with it. How you handle His commands. God is not in the habit of speaking just to hear Himself talk. It is for our own good and our own spiritual growth. Many times God will speak no more until the last instructions that He gave are followed. And truly, what is the use of someone giving fresh, new instructions or revelations when the receiver treats them as common and not worth the follow-through?
And the word translated “perish” actually means people become morally unrestrained, lawless, or run wild without God’s guidance. So, the writer is saying that when God’s word is neglected or rare, as in the days of Eli, the people will throw off God’s restraint and run wild, as they did in Aaron’s day when they made the golden calf. In the days of Eli, Eli’s two sons were without restraint, sleeping with the women who served at the Tent of Meeting, taking the sacrificial meat, and sometimes by force. They did things that greatly displeased the LORD, and He put them to death for it.
Then, the verse finishes with, but happy, or blessed is he or she who keeps God’s laws. Our command from Jesus is to love one another, love our neighbor, and love even our enemy. We are instructed to bear fruit and to win souls. Are you doing that today? Are you sharing the Good News with friends and family? Are you taking someone with you when our LORD Jesus returns to get us? If not, you need to.
Father, give us revelation lest we run wild. Restrain our mortal flesh that is prone to leave the God that we love, and who first loved us. Help us to see, hear, and obey the revelation that you give or send, or that we receive. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.