These publishers call their effort the King James Bible and use KJB instead of King James Version with a KJV. This reflects their core belief that it is the only real Bible. They belong to the group of people that I would call “King James Only.” I do not say this to discredit them, only so you will understand their convictions.
What is unique about this publication is that the editors concede the outdated, archaic nature of the KJV but still claim it is the best. In order to make it understandable they have gone through and given footnotes at key places to clarify the meanings. Thus words such as “froward,” “suffer” and “conversation” are explained. Thus they retain the traditional text and provide a new translation at the same time.
They also explain at the beginning of each book the old words “ye” and “thou” and how they are used. At the end of each book they review the endings “eth” and “est” that were used three hundred years ago.
The defining of words has some interesting choices. They do not only define archaic words but also words that our illiterate generation would not know. For instance in Chapter 6 they define mischief, discord and calamity. But then they do not define reproach. I might make different editorial choices but that is a matter of opinion not a judgement.
I found it helpful. If you like the KJV but find that in places it does not seem clear, this might be a tool for you. The one I have was given to my wife by friends who honestly believe that the King James is the only accurate translation. I find it a valuable part of my library.
I have no vested interest in plugging this but if you want to look at it more you can check out the website of The Bible for Today. If you are ordering, I would really recommend getting the genuine leather. The one I have is very high quality materials. The print is simple but the book itself is constructed to last, look good and feel good in your hand.
Grace and peace.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Don’t Be a Spoiler
(Proverbs 1:13 KJV) We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:
From reading other scripture, “wealth” (1952) is not the problem. The problem is how we attain it, how we use it and the attitude we have toward it. This is shown by the second term, “spoil” (7998).
Much of what we accumulate could be considered “spoil” (7998). This is the kind of wealth that is stolen from others. Socialists would like us to think that all wealth fits in this category, but the Bible does not agree with that. The Bible condemns unjust gain or quick gain just as it does sloth. Both can condemn a person.
So? Honest work is the standard of believers. Idle wealth and living off of inheritance becomes a real problem. Taking advantage would be condemned as immoral even if it is legal. Take the high road because while all roads may have lead to Rome they don’t lead to heaven.
From reading other scripture, “wealth” (1952) is not the problem. The problem is how we attain it, how we use it and the attitude we have toward it. This is shown by the second term, “spoil” (7998).
Much of what we accumulate could be considered “spoil” (7998). This is the kind of wealth that is stolen from others. Socialists would like us to think that all wealth fits in this category, but the Bible does not agree with that. The Bible condemns unjust gain or quick gain just as it does sloth. Both can condemn a person.
So? Honest work is the standard of believers. Idle wealth and living off of inheritance becomes a real problem. Taking advantage would be condemned as immoral even if it is legal. Take the high road because while all roads may have lead to Rome they don’t lead to heaven.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
On the Road Again
For the next few days I will be in a situation that does not guarantee safe access to the internet. I have posts up and ready to appear. That should be no problem but I might not be able to respond to comments for a few day. Maybe, maybe not.
Grace and Peace.
Grace and Peace.
Mass or Endurance
(Proverbs 31:25 KJV) Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
“Strength” (5795) and “honour” (dignity NASB) (1926) are two qualities that we can admire. The bad news is that they are too rare. The good news is that they are available to everyone. They come through discipline and daily application of attention. Neither comes through a short term crash course.
Let’s look at the idea of “strength” (5795). We generally associate this with muscles and the work they can do. Modern culture is obsessed with how they look. If you ever get into working with weights to develop your strength you learn there are two basic approaches to the discipline. You can go for size or endurance. If you are a body builder getting ready to strut your stuff on the beach you go for heavy resistance and fewer repetitions. If you are looking for endurance and toning you go with lighter weights and more repetitions. They produce different results.
So? Spiritually speaking we need to go for endurance and toning. That means a more regular and frequent approach to reading, prayer, meditation and study. There are no overnight wonders when it comes to spiritual maturity.
“Strength” (5795) and “honour” (dignity NASB) (1926) are two qualities that we can admire. The bad news is that they are too rare. The good news is that they are available to everyone. They come through discipline and daily application of attention. Neither comes through a short term crash course.
Let’s look at the idea of “strength” (5795). We generally associate this with muscles and the work they can do. Modern culture is obsessed with how they look. If you ever get into working with weights to develop your strength you learn there are two basic approaches to the discipline. You can go for size or endurance. If you are a body builder getting ready to strut your stuff on the beach you go for heavy resistance and fewer repetitions. If you are looking for endurance and toning you go with lighter weights and more repetitions. They produce different results.
So? Spiritually speaking we need to go for endurance and toning. That means a more regular and frequent approach to reading, prayer, meditation and study. There are no overnight wonders when it comes to spiritual maturity.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
The Showing Must Go On
(Proverbs 30:32 KJV) If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.
Fools broadcast they are “foolishly” (5034a) “lifting up” (exalting NASB) (5375) themselves. The figure of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh comes to mind. Remember how he would say, “That’s what Tiggers do best” at almost any proposal. He would then demonstrate that he did not have a clue. We all know people like this. They claim ability and even great skill. You give them the chance to do something and they don’t even know where to start.
The opposite is the desirable personality. We are to quietly do the tasks assigned us. We are to learn and train so that we can improve. We are to produce and deliver. Let others notice.
So? Don’t expect them to notice. They may give others the credit. Our instructions are clear. Show don’t say.
Fools broadcast they are “foolishly” (5034a) “lifting up” (exalting NASB) (5375) themselves. The figure of Tigger from Winnie the Pooh comes to mind. Remember how he would say, “That’s what Tiggers do best” at almost any proposal. He would then demonstrate that he did not have a clue. We all know people like this. They claim ability and even great skill. You give them the chance to do something and they don’t even know where to start.
The opposite is the desirable personality. We are to quietly do the tasks assigned us. We are to learn and train so that we can improve. We are to produce and deliver. Let others notice.
So? Don’t expect them to notice. They may give others the credit. Our instructions are clear. Show don’t say.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Who Is Listening?
(Proverbs 29:9 KJV) If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest.
The KJV brings out a question that the NASB tries to answer. In the KJV it is not clear who is raging, laughing or resting.
It would seem that the wise man is just as confounded as the foolish man. The fool because it is his nature, the wise because he wants to help and is rebuffed. It brings to mind one of those sayings that is attributed to the Chinese,
So? Keep in mind that this applies to us when we are the fools. How many times has God tried to show us an answer and we reject it because it is not what we want to hear? I know it happens to me.
The KJV brings out a question that the NASB tries to answer. In the KJV it is not clear who is raging, laughing or resting.
(Proverbs 29:9 NAS77) When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, The foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.In the NASB it seems to be saying that the fool rages and laughs while there is not rest for any. I think the vagueness of the KJV is more accurate.
It would seem that the wise man is just as confounded as the foolish man. The fool because it is his nature, the wise because he wants to help and is rebuffed. It brings to mind one of those sayings that is attributed to the Chinese,
“Any fool can ask a question that a wise man cannot answer.”One of the requirements for a good answer is having it desired and accepted.
So? Keep in mind that this applies to us when we are the fools. How many times has God tried to show us an answer and we reject it because it is not what we want to hear? I know it happens to me.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Focus Groups
(Proverbs 28:11 KJV) The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.
Why is it that some poor people have a better grasp of what is important than some rich people? That is the point of this verse in Proverbs. What makes the difference? I would say it is the focus of their lives. This chapter is full of repeated comparisons between these two groups.
The rich man has his focus on getting and keeping wealth. That is considered to be the measure of value in his heart and mind. It is only when the goal is achieved that the hollowness hits home.
The poor man is better off, not because he is poor, but because he “has understanding” (995). Some poor people are just as blind as the rich. They are fixated on wealth and frustrated. Because they don’t have it, they can still assume it will bring satisfaction. But poor people who have not been blinded by that grasp the true values of life.
So? What is your focus? Are you still living under the assumption that more money will solve your problems? My prayer is that you would get a perspective that helps you to understand what is really important.
Why is it that some poor people have a better grasp of what is important than some rich people? That is the point of this verse in Proverbs. What makes the difference? I would say it is the focus of their lives. This chapter is full of repeated comparisons between these two groups.
The rich man has his focus on getting and keeping wealth. That is considered to be the measure of value in his heart and mind. It is only when the goal is achieved that the hollowness hits home.
The poor man is better off, not because he is poor, but because he “has understanding” (995). Some poor people are just as blind as the rich. They are fixated on wealth and frustrated. Because they don’t have it, they can still assume it will bring satisfaction. But poor people who have not been blinded by that grasp the true values of life.
So? What is your focus? Are you still living under the assumption that more money will solve your problems? My prayer is that you would get a perspective that helps you to understand what is really important.
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