Without a Vision

I. UNDERSTANDING THE BOOK OF PROVERBS

A. The Nature of the Book

1. What is a proverb?
a. The Bible likens a proverb to a dark saying (Proverbs 1:6; John 16:25, 29).
b. In other words, it is the presentation of a truth within a truth.
c. The greater truth is the truth cloaked within the obvious truth.
d. When studying a proverb, first consider the obvious truth presented, but follow that up with the study of the intended spiritual application of the truth.
2. Unlike other books
a. Verses are often understood independent of other verses.
b. While the context within a verse is likely beneficial, context within a series of verses or within a chapter is not always useful.

B. The Purpose of the Book

1. To know (Proverbs 1:2)
a. Wisdom
b. Instruction
2. To perceive—the words of understanding (Proverbs 1:2)
3. To receive to instruction of (Proverbs 1:3)
a. Wisdom
b. Justice
c. Judgment
d. Equity
4. To give (Proverbs 1:4)
a. Subtilty to the simple
b. Knowledge and discretion to the young man

II. THE BREAKDOWN OF THE PASSAGE

A. Comparison and Contrast

1. The Book of Proverbs presents many truths through the use of comparison and contrast.
2. Coordinating conjunctions (i.e., for, and, yet, but, etc.) are often used to compare or contrast two words or thoughts.
3. Their use provides insights into the definition or proper interpretation of various Bible words, phrases, and passages.


B. Contrasted Truths

1. The cause
a. Where there is no vision
b. He that keepeth the law
2. The effect
a. The people perish
b. Happy is he

III. THE MESSAGE OF THE PASSAGE

A. Defining the Vision

1. Understanding the connection of visions and God’s revelation
a. “The word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying” (Genesis 15:1)
b. “God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said” (Genesis 46:2)
c. “I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision” (Numbers 12:6)
d. “And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision” (1 Samuel 3:1)
e. “The law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD” (Lamentations 2:9)
2. Dismantling the false notion
a. The scriptural distinctions
1.) “The prophets prophesy lies in my name…they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination…and the deceit of their heart” (Jeremiah 14:14).
2.) “They make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD” (Jeremiah 23:16).
b. The practical communication
1.) The old saying goes that he who aims for nothing is sure to hit it. While we ought to plan and establish desired goals of what we would like to accomplish for the Lord, this is not the message of this passage.
2.) The message of the passage is that the absence of a word from God brings death; yet, the presence and cherishing of it brings life and happiness.

B. Deciphering the Outcome

1. Historically, the nation of Israel experienced this on a good number of occasions but perhaps none more significant than the 400 years between testament.
a. The Old Testament ended with the word “curse” (Malachi 4:6).
b. When Jesus came, “people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death” had light spring up (Matthew 4:16).
c. The absence of a word from God brought death.
2. Spiritually speaking, the principle applies to us today, but in a different sense. We have a completed canon of scripture and do not stand in need of new revelation; however, we too perish or find happiness based upon our relationship with and reception of the already revealed word of God.