Psalm 33:13-15
13The LORD looks down from heaven;
he sees all the children of man;
14from where he sits enthroned he looks out
on all the inhabitants of the earth,
15he who fashions the hearts of them all
and observes all their deeds.
God is watching you… How does that make you feel? There is nothing hidden from his eyes. He sees everything you think you can hide from all the people closest to you.
We feel great shame and conviction over sin that is found out by men, yet the knowledge that God watches us and knows our every thought and act does not produce a sufficient shame to motivate us to holiness instead of sin.
What hidden sins do you have? The answer… NONE. All your sins are known by God. The truth of this psalm should compel us to confess quickly and contritely. We should repent of those sins and be motivated to live the holy lives God has ordained for us.
This is not a deep thought today. It is maddening in its simplicity: God is watching. However, the implications for our lives are significant. We should live in the knowledge that God is aware of everything we think, say and do. Therefore, let’s be holy.
I leave you with a question: What does it mean that God fashions our hearts? Does that mean that He gives us our passions and desires?
Would you please post the book from which you obtain the above scriptures. The Bible doesn't read as you posted above. There is a vast difference. And no, God does not 'fashion' our hearts and merely observe, he "considereth all their (our) works". God gave use a free will and does not forcefully control our deeds. He gave us a free will otherwise we would be as robots. He allows us to have passion and desires, some good, some not so good. Thanks for reading.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThe above Scripture is from the English Standard Version of the Bible. Based on the line you quoted, I am guessing that you are reading the King James Version, also a very good translation.
I don't really know what you mean by saying there is a vast difference.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Chris
Bro. Chris, thanks for the response. Yes I do use the King James Bible. What I meant by the 'vast difference' is the number of words that have been changed or added. I don't mean to infer that it was something you deliberately did as I know you quoted that reference book accurately. In verse 13 the word "down" was added and 'beholdeth' changed to 'sees', as well as two other word changes. In verse 14 'enthroned' is added and among others in verse 15, 'considereth' is changed to 'observes'. These changes do change the meaning and I have a great fear of 'adding to or taking away from the word of God'. Again, thanks for responding.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteI understand that the KJV is your favorite translation, and I understand (and share) your passion to make sure nothing is added to the Bible.
However, the ESV does not add anything or take away from the Bible. It is a different translation of the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. THe differences are due to the fact that the ESV is in modern day English where the KJV is in 17th century English. There are no "changes" to the Bible. Nothing is added or taken away.
And these updates into modern English do not change the meaning.
Both translations are among the most accurate available.
Grace to you,
Chris
Brother Chris, there are so many 'changes' in 'Versions' it would take years to list. They do have different meanings. Your blog today "Name that Scripture" is a perfect example. The King James Bible reads "He hath showed thee, o man" and the English Standard Version of the Bible starts off "He has told you, o man". That would imply that God personally spoke to every man in the Old Testament which I don't think is the case. To me there is a definate difference in 'Showing' someone and 'telling' someone. Love the game, however, and hope that others will respond. Be happy!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that you love the KJV. It is a fine translation. The ESV is also an excellent translation. NO English translation is perfect. There are always difficulties when translating from Hebrew and Greek into English. The differences you listed are not as significant as you think.
When you say there are changes in the ESV from the KJV, you are making a nonsensical statement. The translators of the ESV were translating Hebrew and Greek into English. They were not looking at a copy of the KJV and translating it into modern English.
Please continue to read the KJV. But please stop trying to convince me the ESV is not the Bible. It is the version I believe to be best for my life and ministry, and I will continue to use it. You are flat wrong when you say it is a reference book and not the Bible. Those type of statements border on derision.
If you would like to continue this conversation in person, I would be willing to comply. As you have chosen to hide behind anonymity to this point, you will have to initiate this conversation, but I will no longer dialogue with you on this blog.
And, I am happy : )
Chris
Bro Cris I'm so sorry this has degraded into something less than Christian. I see now you are very offended and I did not intend that to be. So, I apologize to you regardless. My comments were not meant to be derisive. And, I don't think they have been any more so than yours. And if using the anonymous choice offends anyone I will quit using it. Maybe it simply needs to be removed from this blog business. I have an idea that you and some others know who I am and that I a student of the Bible. At first I only wanted to get you to quote your sources, which I see now is rather petty. It's real easy just to read the blogs and do nothing! I will pray about coming to you just so you will know for sure, who wrote these. Whether it will help the situation is my concern? That will be my prayer, and I will make an effort to pray for you and your family each day and I hope you will mine.
ReplyDelete