Jeremiah 29:11 is the penultimate verse in the bible. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Some won’t agree, but like Jay Z says, I just go on and dust my shoulders off 😉

Research uncovered, however, that the word prosper in the NIV transliteration isn’t a financial stability. The ESV version translates it as welfare. The NKJV version is future and hope. When all my translations are similar yet different, I rely on my heavy knowledge of Hebrew (aka an electronic translator).

The exact word in verse 11 is actually the Hebrew word shalom, which means peace or completeness.

The BIV* transliteration of this scripture would state, “I already know the plans set out for you, says the Lord. Plans of peace and a hope to endure.

What’s the point in having financial welfare or prosperity if we have no peace?

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I take a look at my pithy bank account, my average looking car with key scrapes along the side and missing decal, my college loan statements, and wedding budget and think, I should be really stressed out right now.

But since God has a plan for me, I rest in peace. Jesus said, “[Shalom] I leave with you; my [shalom] I give to you. I don’t give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Since the comments posted on the previous post, I needed to pass along shalom to all of us who need to Be Still and let God be God. All in favor, say aye!

*BIV=Bianca International Version

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