Is the Example Relevant to the Current Situation or a Distraction
The relevance of an example to a current situation, or its potential to distract, hinges on its nature and the intent behind its use. In biblical contexts, examples often serve as illustrations, comparisons, or warnings, with their effectiveness depending on how well they illuminate the intended lesson rather than divert attention [1, 7].
The Greek word parabole, from which "parable" is derived, signifies "placing beside or together," indicating a comparison or similitude. This suggests that the primary function of an example or parable is to illustrate one subject by another [1]. New Testament usage of parabole is broad, encompassing short proverbs, prophetic utterances, enigmatic maxims, and expanded metaphors [1]. The purpose is to make a point clearer, not to introduce extraneous information. For instance, the book of Proverbs frequently uses examples to illustrate moral and spiritual truths, often beginning with "Behold" to draw attention to the illustration [8]. One such example in Proverbs 6:24 highlights how appreciating truth can prevent one from being swayed by flattery, serving as a specimen of benefit [3]. Similarly, Proverbs 7:6 introduces an example with "For" or "Since," indicating that the subsequent narrative or parable is pertinent to the warning being given [7].
However, an example can become a distraction if it is misinterpreted or misapplied. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 7:35, clarifies his intent in giving instructions, stating that his aim is "for your own profit" and "not to cast a snare upon you" [2]. The imagery of "casting a snare" refers to throwing a noose over an animal, implying that Paul does not wish to entangle believers with unnecessary burdens or fears of sin where none exists [2]. This suggests that an example or instruction, if not carefully presented and understood, could inadvertently become a distraction by creating undue anxiety or misdirection. Paul's concern is that his advice should lead to "comely" behavior, meaning what is fitting under the present circumstances, and allow believers to "attend upon" their duties without distraction [2]. The phrase "attend upon" literally means to "assiduously wait on," emphasizing focused devotion, as seen in the examples of Mary and Anna [2].
The concept of "stumbling" or "falling" in the New Testament provides another lens through which to view the potential for distraction. In Romans 14:13, Paul advises believers to "stop condemning each other" and instead focus on not causing another believer to "stumble and fall" [4]. This phrase, originally referring to physical obstacles or traps, is used metaphorically for behavior that could cause spiritual harm [4]. If an example, or the way it is presented, leads a fellow believer to stumble, it moves from being a helpful illustration to a harmful distraction. This principle is echoed in other passages like 1 Corinthians 8:9, 13 and 1 John 2:10 [4]. The focus is on the impact of one's actions and words on others, ensuring that they build up rather than tear down or divert from the path of faith.
The danger of distraction is also evident in the way individuals engage with spiritual truths. James 1:24 describes a person who "beholdeth" themselves in a mirror but then "hath gone his way," quickly forgetting what they saw [5]. The act of "contemplating" oneself in the mirror is likened to hearing the word of God, which imparts some knowledge, even if cursory [5]. However, if one "goeth his way" and allows their mind to wander, the interest in what was heard passes, leading to forgetfulness [5]. In this scenario, the example (the mirror reflecting one's image) is relevant, but the individual's lack of sustained attention turns it into a fleeting moment rather than a transformative experience. The distraction here is internal, a failure to retain and apply the truth revealed.
Conversely, when an example is properly understood and applied, it can provide profound encouragement and perspective. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, Paul contrasts "our present light (burden of) affliction" with an "eternal weight of glory" [6]. He emphasizes that the affliction is "but for a moment," working out a "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" [6]. This example serves to reframe suffering, preventing it from becoming a distraction that overwhelms believers. By comparing the temporal nature of affliction with the eternal nature of glory, Paul encourages believers to maintain their focus on the ultimate reward, rather than being consumed by present difficulties. The "lightness of affliction" is beautifully contrasted with the "weight of the glory," providing a powerful illustration that keeps believers from being sidetracked by their trials [6].
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 7:35: for your own profit--not to display my apostolic authority. not . . . cast a snare upon you--image from throwing a noose over an animal in hunting. Not that by hard injunctions I may entangle you with the fear of committing sin where there is no sin. comely--befitting under present circumstances. attend upon--literally, "assiduously wait on"; sitting down to the duty. Compare Luk 10:39, Mary; Luk 2:37, "Anna . . . a widow, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day" (Ti1 5:5). distraction--th”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 6:24: A specimen of its benefit. By appreciating truth, men are not affected by lying flattery.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 14:13: 14:13 This verse acts as a bridge. Let’s stop condemning each other summarizes 14:1-12, while the concern about causing another believer to stumble and fall becomes the major emphasis of 14:14-23. • stumble and fall: This phrase originally applied to obstacles that could trip people as they walked, or to traps into which a person might fall. It is used metaphorically throughout the New Testament for behavior that might bring spiritual harm to another person (see 1 Cor 8:9, 13; 1 Jn 2:10; cp. Matt 21:42-44; Luke 20:17-18; Rom 9:32-33; 1 Pet 2:8).”
- James (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on James 1:24: beholdeth--more literally, "he contemplated himself and hath gone his way," that is, no sooner has he contemplated his image than he is gone his way (Jam 1:11). "Contemplate" answers to hearing the word: "goeth his way," to relaxing the attention after hearing--letting the mind go elsewhere, and the interest of the thing heard pass away: then forgetfulness follows [ALFORD] (Compare Eze 33:31). "Contemplate" here, and in Jam 1:23, implies that, though cursory, yet some knowledge of one's self, at least for the time, is imparted in hearing the word (Co1 1”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 4:17: which is but for a moment--"Our PRESENT light (burden of) affliction" (so the Greek; compare Mat 11:30), [ALFORD]. Compare "now for a season . . . in heaviness" (Pe1 1:6). The contrast, however, between this and the "ETERNAL weight of glory" requires, I think, the translation, "Which is but for the present passing moment." So WAHL. "The lightness of affliction" (he does not express "burden" after "light"; the Greek is "the light of affliction") contrasts beautifully with the "weight of the glory." worketh--rather, "worketh out." a far more e”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 7:6: For--or, "Since," introducing an example to illustrate the warning, which, whether a narrative or a parable, is equally pertinent. window--or, "opening" looked--literally, "watched earnestly" (Jdg 5:28). casement--or, "lattice."”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 11:31: Behold--Thus calling attention to the illustrations (compare Pro 11:23), the sentiment of which is confirmed even in time, not excluding future rewards and punishments. Next: Proverbs Chapter 12”