Proverbs 21:16 The man that wandereth out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. KJV
2006-12-30 10:06:40 · 15 answers · asked by ? 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
No. It means that the man who is out of the way of understanding is a member of the congregation of the dead. It does not imply that he has to stay there. Solomon's point is that understanding is life.
2006-12-30 10:11:12 · answer #1 · answered by NONAME 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since this was written about 700 years before Jesus' time on earth, it doesn't apply specifically to the Christian course. But as a principle, it can be. As several answerers pointed out, if you leave the right path you can still return, since "the congregation of the dead" does not necessarily mean those who are literally dead, but could mean those who are dead to God because of their contrary actions. Also, look at verse 15; the second half carries a similar warning, whereas the first half is an encouragement to do right.
2006-12-30 18:34:54 · answer #2 · answered by Charles d 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't say "...shall remain in the congregation of the dead until such time as he wandereth back into the way of understanding", so I think the intent of the passage it's pretty clear. The message itself, however, is vague. What is "the way of understanding" and what is "the congregation of the dead"? If these were clarified, it would be easier to identify the meaning of the passage, but it seems deliberately vague, and as such is open to subjective interpretation.
2006-12-30 18:22:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, based on other scriptures. When all scripture is taken into view then you have the proper paradignm in which to understand the isolated verse. It means as long as that person fulfills that criteria the destiny that accompanies it shall also remain his.
If you do not understand the truth as it is in Christ, then you shall surely reamind among the dead.For the wages of sin are death but eternal life is the gift of God, received through Christ who saves all those that belong to Him and take him as their Lord.
Others take other lords and shall get what those lord will give them.
As for us Christians there is only one .
That is more of a spiritul interpretation, it could have a more physical one as well, meaning if you join a gang you may end up dead or shot.
2006-12-30 18:11:26 · answer #4 · answered by Socinian F 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The verse predates Christianity and is superceded by Christ according to the New Testament. Jesus wasn't born when Proverbs was written.
2006-12-30 18:17:20 · answer #5 · answered by character 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you can always come back. But how do you know when to come back. NIV A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead, could it not also mean he who stops learning and understanding the true teachings, your mind will get bored and you will find yourseld in the company of those who do not believe and will lead you astray.
2006-12-30 18:14:00 · answer #6 · answered by so so 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hi, Proverbs is part of the Old Testament and was the law for the Israelites,Jesus by His Death and Resurrection won for us unfathomable mercy and the repentant sinner will be welcomed back again,every time.
2006-12-30 18:13:22 · answer #7 · answered by Sentinel 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
God always welcomes the people choosing to return to him.
The verse you mentioned means that misunderstanding misleads the people to the mistaken way.
2006-12-30 18:19:42 · answer #8 · answered by imamulleith 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can be interpreted in many ways. Another could be that by not seeking the truth you will be judged without the truth. Kind of like innocent until proven guilty.
2006-12-30 18:13:57 · answer #9 · answered by marjun212 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, a stray sheep can always come back to the Shepherd, no matter how far they have wandered.
2006-12-30 18:11:40 · answer #10 · answered by manolingirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋