Revelation Vs. Vision

Proverbs 29:18 is one of the most misinterpreted verses in the entire Bible.

Proverbs 29:18 (NKJV) says, "Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but happy is he who keeps the law."

Some versions of the Bible, including the original KJV, substitute the word "vision" for "revelation." That is where the misinterpretation begins, as it has led to many pastors using one of the modern meanings of the word "vision" in their interpretation of the verse. For many pastors, Proverbs 29:18 deals with setting a goal or an objective, or having a plan, such as when a pastor has a "vision" for a new church program or a building fund. The pastor then cites Proverbs 29:18 in order to give some scriptural weight to his "vision" - his goal or objective or plan or personal desire or new program or new facility - when the verse has absolutely nothing to do with this at all.

When Proverbs 29:18 talks of a revelation, it is talking about God's Word. When people do not hear the word, when there is no revelation of the Word, then there is lawlessness. That is why the verse talks about how people cast off restraint - become lawless - when there is no revelation, when they are without God's Word. The verse then contrasts such lawlessness and rebellion with the happiness of one who keeps the law, one who is obedient to God's Word and its revelation. Proverbs 29:18 simply means that when people are without God's Word, there is lawlessness. It has nothing to do with someone's personal "vision."

Be careful when someone uses Proverbs 29:18 as the basis for a personal or ministerial "vision." It is an incorrect - and sometimes very misleading and sometimes very dangerous - interpretation of Proverbs 29:18, and is not what the verse is intended to mean at all.