Proverbs is a wonderful book of wisdom. Have you read it clear through? I read one chapter in it everyday. It has 31 chapters. This month I’ll read three chapters on the 29th. We don’t have a 30 or 31 in February! Then on March 1st I will start over again, but with a different translation. I find the various translations help me gather new and deeper meanings.
Today’s chapter 27 verse 19 is a perfect example of the way different translations can add different nuances:
The Message paraphrased version
by Eugene Peterson“Just as water mirrors your face,
Proverbs 27:19
so your face mirrors your heart.”
The NIV (New International Version)
“As water reflects a face,
Proverbs 27:19
so man’s heart reflects the man.”
KJV King James Version
“As in water face answereth to face,
Proverbs 27:19
so the heart of man to man.”
Each of those passages refers to the way a person’s heart reflects to that person (and maybe to others) who that person really is. Right? But, when I went to the CS Lewis Bible paraphrased, I found this translation:
“Just as water reflects the face,
Proverbs 27:19
so one human heart reflects another.”
Bible Interpretations
To me that CS Lewis version says it is not just a matter of looking at the way our heart reflects to ourselves who we really are … and can be seen in our facial expressions… but it also says our “heart-scape” influences how we see others.
We see others through our own heart content and our own heart lenses. We may be blind to who they really are, like this girl on a branch is blind to her own reflection. We often don’t see ourselves as others see us. And we don’t see others as they intend to be seen.
Does your face mirror your heart?
Or are there cracks in the space
between your heart mirror and your face?
Do you see others through a lens of love,
or is your heart-scape distorting what you see?
How Do I See Thee and Me?
Do I see thee through a clear lens,
a pure heart,
a heart of love and compassion?
Ask yourself:
Do I see Me the same way?
Do I see myself as God sees me?
His redeemed, forgiven, beloved child?
Am I gentle with myself?
Am I open and positive?
Do I see the positivity in others?
I see thee dearly.
I see me clearly.
We are not merely
clones; we are beloved,
unique children of God.
I love you!
Thanks for visiting JanBeek today.
Have a blessed day!
See ya tomorrow.
Comments on: "How Do I See Thee & Me?" (3)
Proverbs is my favorite book of the Bible.
Thought provoking, as so often
Thank you. I had hoped it would be.