“…betimes… shall want.”

Proverbs 13:24-25

There are a few words we never really use the way they are used in the above verses.  So, what do they mean in the verses above, the way we see them in our King James Bible?

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.” Proverbs 13:24-25

Finding these words together, in two different sorts of “proverbs”, gives us a great opportunity to remind ourselves of two things: 1. We can trust our King James Bible, and 2. We can easily define, and find the meanings of, all of the words in our King James Bible even if they are a bit archaic.  Many Bible Apps let you click on the Hebrew or Greek definition.

So, “betimes” means, early at any task.  So, children need training and guidance and correction early: early in life, early when they do something wrong, early, straightaway.  This shows that we love them, and are willing to patiently work with them to teach them right and wrong.  Other verses will help us understand this too: “Train up a child…” (Proverbs 22.6).  Do the training early on in life, when they are “a child” don’t leave it!

And the word, “want” means to lack.  So, the belly of the wicked - because the wicked don’t like what the Lord offers - the belly of the wicked will lack, and they will be spiritually hungry!  This reminds me of what Jesus said: “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger...” (John 6:35)  But the wicked refuse Jesus and their lives lack the grace, peace, forgiveness, joy, and so many things He offers in salvation that truly feed and nourish our souls and spirit!

It does’t take much for us to see how powerful our Bible is, our King James Bible – Amen!