No one likes to stumble at work, at home, in the grocery store, or in the gym. When moisture freezes on sidewalks, we look for the sanded areas to step on. If someone stronger than we are is around, we may reach out to hold onto an arm.
We should give such care to our spiritual walk, as well. One of the most helpful instructions to assist in stepping confidently is a verse which is often misinterpreted, Psalm 119:165. In an older Bible version, the verse reads, “Great peace have they who love thy law; and nothing shall offend them”(KJV). Interpreting the term offend as our current culture defines it rather than as it would have been interpreted when that translation was written, some people use this verse as an excuse to do and say whatever they want – because if you love God, you won’t be offended: “I’m doing things my way, and if you’re spiritual, you won’t care.”
In the original language, however, the words “offend them” actually mean “cause them to stumble.” Understanding this and recognizing the context of this verse help us realize a more accurate interpretation. The longer passage, Psalm 119:161-168, reads, “Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words. I rejoice at your Word like one who finds great spoil. I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments. My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly. I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you”(ESV).
The passage is not teaching, “If you love God, offenses against him won’t trouble you.” Instead, it teaches that if we love God and treasure the precepts of his Word, we will abhor sin and deceit. This is an Old Testament passage referring to the Word of God available at that time. However, it teaches a truth relating to us during our time, as well. Our hatred of all that is wrong and false will in turn give us peace and cause us to walk through life with a sure foot.
Much is out there which could cause you to stumble in your walk with Christ. Protect yourself by loving God and valuing his truth. That’s the only way you’ll be able to recognize and avoid the lies, the would-be tripper-uppers you’ll face today and tomorrow and the next day. God and truth are the only path to great peace.