I recently read an article written by a brother who was writing concerning what young people need.  I certainly agree with the writer as he wrote concerning the need of our children to be taught the Bible.   Yet, according to this penman, one of the reasons our children do not respect the Bible is, “versions such as the NIV allow them to do their own thing.”   It is obvious to me that the writer has never taken time to actually read what the NIV says.  Listen to the following verses from the New International Version:

1)         “Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Honor your father and mother…” (Ephesians 6:1-2a)

2)         “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord (Colossians 3:20).

3)         “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)

4)         “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1).

5)         “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24).

6)         “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death” (Proverbs 19:18).

7)         “Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

8)         “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes observe my ways” (Proverbs 23:26).

9)         “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole [duty] of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

 

     Now does that sound like the NIV is encouraging our youth “to do their own thing?”   Of course not.  The NIV, like all translations is not perfect, but let’s be sure we speak truth and use a little balance when writing about it and any other subject!

Richard O'Connor