One of the advantages of reading a different version of the Bible is that different wording can awaken us to see a new application of the text. I experienced this while reading Psalm 23 this morning.
Psalm 23:3 (CSB): he leads me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
(c) Can Stock Photo / Pakhnyushchyy
I am old enough to be familiar with the KJV translation of Psalm 23 where verse 3 is translated, “he leadeth me in paths of righteousness for is name’s sake.” The emphasis seems to be on God leading us into a state of righteousness. Where righteousness is the destination.
The CSB translation seems to focus on God leading us on the correct path rather than an ostensibly righteous one.
I’m not a Hebrew scholar with the ability to choose which is the better translation but I do find some encouragement from the CSB translation.
Over the years, choices had to be made with regard to vocation, location and ministry. At times I wonder if I missed a sign along the way and drove off the designated route. Should I have pursued full time Christian ministry? Did I make the right choices along the way? These are questions that can bother me.
I am learning to trust that God can use my choices, even the faulty ones, to bring me to the place he wants me to be. Like a GPS that recalculates the route when I miss a turn, God can bring about his plan without my full understanding or cooperation.
I am comforted by the promise made by the Apostle Paul in Philippians:
I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 (CSB)
Do you find this comforting? Please use the comment box below to share your thoughts.
I am grateful to you for sharing how God can use different translations to open eyes and hearts. My whole life was (mis)spent fighting demanding, controlling parents which only served to sharpen self-will and drown any hope of hearing Holy Spirit’s still, small voice. There were the (many) years in Sunday school classes, sitting amongst pious others who seemed to have it all together and ran away from my searching questions. Even now i struggle with remembering to be still and wait for God’s guidance causing a lot of faltering, stumbling. So i’ll try to be patient, wait for those opening moments and remember that this is on-going learning curve,not a one-time thing. It’s just hard sometimes. Thanks.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. It took me a long time to learn that the people who seem to have it all together are usually just as confused by life as I am or, as you point out, they are settling for a superficial application of the gospel. Those who hide their confusion are just better at putting on their game face.