Hard Truth

(Proverbs 18:19 KJV)  A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city: and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.

You may not have noticed but a large part of this verse is not in the original Hebrew.  If you don’t see any indication of that in the translation you are using you might consider getting one that is more concerned with accuracy.  The phrase “is harder to be won” is shown in italics in both the NASB and the KJV along with some other translations.  If you read the introduction to your translation you would know that the translators use that devise to show you when they have added things for clarity. 

Does your Bible translation give you clarity or convenience?  Does it give you accuracy or accommodation?  Just because something is easy to read doesn’t mean you should be reading it.  If you are reading a translation that uses a third grade vocabulary, maybe you should move on to something a little more focused on revelation, unless, of course, you are in third grade.

Picture the Declaration of Independence being revised so that it says just “rights” as opposed to “inalienable rights.”  You might have to look up the word but you miss the point if you miss the word.

So?  The Holy Spirit expects something to work with.  Do your part.  He is probably waiting for you to grow up so he can share something with you.