A Word Not from the Lord

(Proverbs 20:24 KJV)  Man's goings are of the LORD; how can a man then understand his own way?

The KJV is superior here.  Let me give you the NASB.

(Proverbs 20:24 NAS77)  Man's steps are ordained by the LORD, How then can man understand his way?

Notice the extra word?  Note that it is not in the Hebrew.  You know that because it is in italics.  Leaving it out makes this a more complete statement.  Translators are reluctant to leave things as God wrote them.  I think if we would accept statements like this, without the verb, we would be less limited in our “understand” (995) of how the Lord works.

How does one word inserted influence the meaning?  The word “ordained” as used here means that things are decreed ahead of time.  It is a done deal.  At least that is what it means to me.  If you are into hard-core predestination, then you like that.  I believe God grants us free will as part of His Holy Spirit/Grace package.

Without the “ordained” this speaks more about how God is in charge.  It would be nice if everything was caused by the Lord, then I could blame Him for everything.  As it is I accept this as meaning that the way my steps go will be God’s way.  This helps me to deal with my world.  Today I am facing several “stress” points.  If I go my way, I will be a basket-case by sunset.  If I go “by the Lord” I have a peace that passes all understanding.

So?  Have you got the peace that comes from “trust and obey”?  Let me tell you, “there is no other way to be happy in Jesus.”