January Implies Looking Two Ways

(Proverbs 10:28 KJV)  The hope of the righteous shall be gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

All right, which is it, “shall be” (KJV) or “is” (NASB)?  The key is found when you notice that the KJV put the verb in italics.  That means it is not in the Hebrew and is inserted for clarity.  It could be rendered in English,

“The hope of the righteous, gladness.” 

Or,

“The hope of the righteous?  Gladness!”

The problem that the Hebrew inserts that the translators are trying to interpret is the time frame of our “hope” (8431).  Do we have hope now or is it to come?  Is our hope something that applies in this life or is it for eternity?  Of course you know the answer is “yes”.  This is a both/and moment.

Hope is an assurance.  That starts the day you are redeemed.  Hope is an assurance.  We have read the book and we know who wins.

So?  Is the new year already looking like a disaster?  Your hope is rooted in yesterday and extends into forever.  Rejoice and be glad.