Recently I said “read the bible, in any one of its acceptable forms”. That in itself is worthy of a discussion as we do not all read the same bible translation. Who is to say what is acceptable and what is not?

The original writings were Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Who among us are fluent in all three?

Every translation into another language requires a linguistic understanding that goes far beyond mere swapping one word for another. Hebrew is cultural, the original meaning meant something different to those that lived in the time of Moses because up until Moses it was a verbal tradition. Most of those people did not even know how to read.

Aramaic was a regional language very similar in design to the Phoenician alphabet, a writing system that developed out of the North Semitic alphabet and was spread over the Mediterranean area by Phoenician traders. It is the probable ancestor of the Greek alphabet and, hence, of all Western alphabets.

The Greek language was one of conquering heroes, one that advanced wisdom and controlled a wider range of influence outside the areas of Israel.

Then there came Rome and that brings us up to the time of the birth of Jesus, Latin.

I speak English and if you listen to some of my “friends” not all that well. So my choices are many as offered up by my favorite bible app, The BibleGateway. It covers hundreds of English translations beginning with the Tyndale in 1535 to the Simplified King James Version in 2022.

So what are the acceptable forms? Well for me it is those translations that the Holy Spirit most clearly speaks to me. What was written on my heart is the KJV. I write mostly in the ESV simply because it is not archaic like the KJV and is free of any copyright restrictions.

I am led from time to time to delve into the original languages but as I do not speak those languages, I rely on linguistic experts and seek the help of the Holy Spirit to understand how those efforts are relevant to the truth He wants me to see.

When doing a deep dive one must rely on the breath of life to remain there for any length of time.

Note closely that no bible quotes were given here today.

Influencers are individuals with large or highly engaged social media followings who hold considerable sway in specific industries such as beauty, fashion, fitness, travel, and food. Known for their authenticity and innovative approaches, they use their specialized knowledge and authority to influence target audiences. Source; Sprout Social (an influencer)

This idea came to me as I watched one of these unreal reality shows where people from sports, movies, television and social media came together to complete. The show announced the name and title for each, NFL pro-bowler, Olympian, actor, actress and then there was that final category, personality influencer.

So how is what I am doing any different from a media influencer?

I stand by the Word of God. I am not a proselyte, I do not advocate for any “brand” of Christianity, only that Jesus Christ is the Word and the Word speaks for itself.

Deuteronomy 11:18 “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”

The concept is not new. The Word taken to heart influences the soul and is seen outwardly in what we do and how we think.

• Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
• Psalm 41:6 And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words, while his heart gathers iniquity; when he goes out, he tells it abroad.
• Psalm 55:21 His speech was smooth as butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
• Psalm 119:11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

The Word tells.us of right attitudes and wrong attitudes. When God’s Word is not on the heart, the words of the mouth spreads vanity and the iniquity hidden within.

Here is a novel idea: read the bible, in any one of its acceptable forms, take it to heart and then discover what happens to your heart, soul, mind, attitudes and actions.

Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.

Luke 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (influencer)