The King James Version

You don’t hear it so much today but when I was growing up some people thought that it wasn’t the Bible unless it was written in the Kings James Version. I must admit that every once in a while I think maybe that should be true. For one thing, the verses are easier to memorize since they seem to have more of a rhythm. Also it would be nice to not fully understand what a verse means. For instance, I was reading I John 2: 15, 16 the other day in the New Century Version.

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If you love the world, the love of the Father is not in you. These are the ways of the world: wanting to please our sinful selves (ouch), wanting the sinful things we see (ouch), and being too proud of what we have (ouch). None of these come from the Father, but all of them come from the world.”

I would say that verse stepped on my toes more than once. Now I might not have been so convicted with the Kings James Version since I could plead ignorance or not search out fully what the verses mean.

” Love not the world, neither the things in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”

Many may understand that just as well as the first but I am glad God made sure there were no misunderstandings about what he really meant by allowing different translations of the Bible. I am also glad that God is still in the heart cleaning business because mine needs regular attention.

Dear God, Help me to seek first your kingdom and your righteousness. Forgive my selfishness and pride that get in the way of me being the child you want me to be. Amen