An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Happy or Blessed?

(Proverbs 3:13 KJV)  Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

The vocabulary of the KJV is always good for a wake up.  The KJV has “happy” (835) while the NASB has “blessed.”  In usage across the Bible both translations use both terms interchangeably.  I don’t think most of us do that.  For me, happy is a feeling, a state of mind.  Blessed is an actual condition.  I can be one without the other. 

I often use the term “happy fool” to designate young people who are irresponsible and immature but not mean spirited.  I don’t think I would ever call anyone a “blessed fool.” 

Wisdom will bless us.  It might even make us happy.  On the other hand the “understanding” (8394) that comes from wise insight might be troubling.

So?  I would rather know than live in ignorance.  I consider that a blessing. 

2 comments:

Gorges Smythe said...

I met a woman once who used the word "blessed" so much (and in such ways) that I became convinced that it was a curse word for her.

Pumice said...

Ain't that the truth. Every once in awhile I become aware that I am using a word repeatedly in a conversation. It probably happens more often than I am aware of.

It is easy for even the best ideas to become common when overused.

Grace and peace.