While discussing the Bible with a dear Christian friend, the ability to understand God and His word came up.  We were discussing all the different versions of the Bible and how so many take away and add to His word.  God distinctly warns against that in various books, one of which is proverbs: “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:6 KJV).

When one follows His word, and yields to the obedience of the word, He will be blessed, and rewarded.  But, clearly the Lord, will do more than admonish for playing around with His word, as it so clearly states in revelation: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Revelation 22:19 KJV).

The problem is…so many versions are out there, and a good majority of people will reach for these “tampered with” versions, not knowing any better. “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2 KJV)

I have been to many different churches in my years as a Christian, whether be it through visiting, attending a wedding, or due to a move, through an invitation to attend,  most especially, when I am led by the Spirit to move on elsewhere.

 Now, in all of these places, obviously,  with different Leaders, Pastors, Rabbis, Reverends, so on and so forth, there have been different versions of the Bible in place.  In one such place I had asked the Reverend why a particular version was used, and his reply was one I had expected, yet still took me off guard,  “because it’s easier for people to understand.”  Huh? No disrespect Reverend, but…how about God’s word?  The changing in meaning from the translation?  And, how about the wisdom of the Lord to guide and open up the meaning of the scriptures, is that not an important piece of the equation?

I know the Reverend has a heart for God, and I am not judging him or any of the others who do not use the KJV…but it bothers me when the word is tampered with during translations.

Now back to my dear Christian  friend, and our discussion.  Her mother, who has since departed, loved the Lord, her children, her husband, and reading the Bible.  She had a fifth grade education, was a simple lady in all facets of her life, but was a scholar in the word.  She read the KJV only, and through her faith, tenacity, and the Holy Spirit providing wisdom, she understoond the KJV as well as any Bible scholar, if not more!  If this little simple lady, with a heart for God, and a fifth grade education could read the KJV, anyone can. 

Why so admanat about the word?  Because the one and only God sent His book for our purposes…it’s His love letter to His children, us.  It is from God, that it was written, through His vessels/prophets/Apostles/Disciples, etc., etc., it was, and is, the divine word of GOD.  And, that stands for TRUTH.  A lot of truth, and love. “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” (Psalm 119:160 KJV)

The word is our defense, it is our shield, our fortress and our weapons against the enemy.  The word is truth,  the word is an inlet pouring out sincerity, the word is our salvation and protection.  It should be in our heart and be incorporated into our vision for current times and future  “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11 KJV)

⁵ Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.⁶ Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:5-6 KJV).

So, to sum up…thank You Lord for providing the insight into Your astounding, and powerful word, for opening eyes, and opening ears to Your intimate words, and allowing us to glimpse Your character, and Your traits. For being there for every single one of us, for listening, for Your grace,  Your blessings, and Your encouragement–And, Your arms that encircle us, each and everyday.

Thank You for Your truth and love Father~

 

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¹⁹ What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?²⁰ For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 KJV)