Whose Children

(Pro 14:26 KJV)  In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge.

To see both the weakness and the strength of a paraphrase compare this to the Living Bible,

(Pro 14:26 LB) Reverence for God gives a man deep strength; his children have a place of refuge and security.

As I read this today I found a resounding “Yes” developing in my heart.  I think there is some real truth in what the Living Bible says, yet it is just a paraphrase.   Is it a sound principle?  Obviously.  The idea that parents having a deep reverence for God will give their children an atmosphere to thrive in is solid.  

Do you notice the part that is assumption?   Read the KJV or NASB again.  When I read it that way it seems that the “children” are the Lord’s.  That is an encouraging understanding but it assumes that the “his” refers to God.   That is literal but the nuance picked up in the paraphrase could also be the emphasis.

So?  Let the Holy Spirit speak to you as you read.  This is an example where looking a little deeper, thinking a little broader and letting your imagination go to work can bring you greater truth.  It is a matter of addition, not substitution.