Proverbs 18:2 English Standard Version (ESV) A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

God is not a fool He knows all things as truth, whether it be good or bad for us. Since I compared God’s understanding to that of a fool, can it be said that God takes pleasure in His understanding because a fool does not? I don’t know.

Does God express His opinion or only speak truth? We believe God is true and only speaks truth but this leads us to try and understand somethings that God declares about us that we might not agree with.

Malachi 1:2a English Standard Version (ESV) “I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?”

When God makes a comment we do not recognize we tend to see it as God’s opinion. We want some proof before we can believe it to be true. In some ways we believe the Lord because of His promises yet when we have not received those promises, our human condition tends to lean towards God having an opinion.

God is love and we believe that and want to believe God loves all mankind. The first verse of Malachi 1:3 says God hated Esau. Trying to understand why God hated Esau may leave us with some doubt as to His ability to love us because it might seem that we have done worse than Esau. How could He hate Esau and love us?

Romans 3:10 English Standard Version (ESV) as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;”

This is a truth we can accept.

“Justified is a legal word. Rather like “sentenced” or “condemned,” it describes a verdict. When God justifies, He declares or pronounces a person to be righteous.” Quote by Pastor Colin Smith

This pronouncement of our righteousness is in the courts of Heaven and is often seen by us as God’s opinion of us because we have not yet stood before our Judge on judgment day.

In order to reconcile our righteousness we might view this as God’s opinion rather than a truth.

Romans 10:17 English Standard Version (ESV) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

There are approximately 42 different English translation of the bible used by The Biblegateway. I use the KJV and the ESV because they are free of copyright infringements. I can use as many quotes in them without fear of violating those copyrights. That is a matter of my good conscience.

Each version has a list of copyright rules. Even the use of one demands a statement included about the copyright holder and permissions and exclusions.

It is the responsibility of eldership to choose which translation is to be used in any particular church. It does not include copyright notice for their use in most cases because of the exclusionary clauses. Preaching the Word of God does not infringe on copyright law.

Why they choose to use any version is so that God’s word will be best received by the congregation in general. The prohibition of certain translations is not transmitted to the congregation unless a user is placed in a position of authority over others. Even then, it is a conversation between the elders and that individual.

I have my preferences and I have my reasons. In no case do I have the right to dictate to another how God will speak to them. That is the purview of God and God alone. Eldership’s desire is to give us the best chance to have a relationship with God.

The reason today’s opening verse is Romans 10:17 is to hi-lite the issue of hearing by faith. When someone uses a version of the bible for which we have profound reasons to shy away from its use in a casual setting, how should we approach that opinion? Remember this is about relationship. Be kind and gracious in our answers.

My answer might be “God does not speak to me in that translation.” That puts the onus on me, not the other person. We need to take responsibility for our choices and not push them on another.