WITHOUT THE WORD OF GOD THE PEOPLE WILL PERISH

Proclamation:
“Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.”  Proverbs 29:18 (NIV)  “Where there is no vision, the people perish ...” (KJV)

Explanation:
These words were written by King Solomon under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  In this proverb Solomon continues to offer words of wisdom, contrasting the righteous and the wicked, and the wise man and the fool. He interjects some advice to parents regarding raising their children. (Proverbs 29:15-17) In this verse, he states that where there is not public ministering of The Word of God, the people will suffer.  However, those who hear and heed God’s Holy Word will be blessed.

Application:
According to Bible scholar J. Vernon McGee, the word “vision” in this verse refers to spiritual understanding.  It is the work of The Holy Spirit to give the believer an understanding of God’s Holy Word.  Those who have not been exposed to The Word of God, and those non-believers who have rejected it, will not exercise self-control and that will lead to their demise.  Without the faithful preaching of The Word of God the people will perish.  “How can they call on Him whom they do not believe?  How can they believe in Him whom they have not heard?  How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)  Those believers who hear and heed His Word will be blessed.