Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.  Proverbs 29:18 KJV

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy is he who keeps the law. Proverbs 29:18 NKJV

The above proverb–a concise wise saying–was coined during the time of the preaching of the Old Testament prophets. Where there is no vision, i.e., no oracle, dream, mental sight, or revelation people drift aimlessly; they cast off restraint spiritually and morally, and become open to sin and exposed to the wiles of devils. [B]ut happy is he who keeps the law. Where there is an absence of vision, i.e., no sense of purpose, no mental picture, no God inspired plan, then obedience to the Word (law) is the best substitute for vision because God is the source who reveals both through His divine inspiration and wisdom.

There are three words whose understanding is critical to understand the importance of having a vision: (1) Vision answers the question: what you would like to become? (2) Mission answers: how you want to accomplish vision?; and, (3) Purpose describes why you exist and the  reason for your being (see Eph. 1:11; 3:11; Jer. 29:11 NIV). Purpose is God’s intention before hand; a setting forth of a thing (Eph. 1:5, 9; Rom. 8:28).  Vision is always much clearer when one understands their God-given purpose. You can then describe your vision in pictures or words. Vision is seeing your purpose in the mind of your spirit. In fact, nothing in this world is independent of your perception of it. What you perceive is what you–and sometimes only you–believe; and, what you believe is what you pursue the fulfillment of. But where there is no vision people are like ships without sails wandering aimlessly on the seas of life.

In eternity God calls you to His Purpose and here on earth gives you a vision (Eph. 3:11; see text).  Purpose is preceded by two other calls of God: (1) Salvation (Rom. 5:8; 10:9), (2) Follow me and I will make you . . . (Matt. 4:19; Luke 5:11); and, then purpose is eventually revealed.  Scripturally, I see five stages in the process of vision: (1) assimilation (Prov. 4:7); (2) integration (Rom. 10:10; Matt. 5:8 (clear in heart); (3) articulation (Prov. 18:21); (4) actualization (2 Cor. 5:7); and, (5) manifestation (Acts 2615-19; 2 Cor. 11:6). But where there is no vision, people cast off restraint!