Voices from the Past

(Proverbs 2:17 KJV)  Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

The opening phrase of this verse varies in translation based on the date of the translation.  The older translations, represented by the KJV, seem to speak of a “guide” and the more modern translations, like the NASB, use “companion.”  This ignores the paraphrases that use all kinds of expressions.  There is a difference between a “companion” and a “guide.”

Maybe this is a reminder that we have influence on people.  The longer we know them the more right we have to influence them.  In the case presented here the influence was noble and good.  The woman represented here “forsaketh” (leaves NASB) (5800a) that influence.

So?  Think back to the good influences of your life that have moved out of your sphere.  Are there any lessons that they could teach you today?  If they saw you today would they be proud or disappointed?  Does that point out anything that needs changing.  Something to think about.