Using Analogies and Examples to Appreciate Workplace Differences
The Bible frequently employs analogies and examples to convey complex ideas, including those related to human nature and behavior that can be applied to understanding workplace differences. A parable, for instance, is a Greek term (παραβολή, parabolē) signifying a comparison or illustration of one subject by another [1]. This method of instruction is evident throughout scripture, offering insights into various aspects of life, including the origins and manifestations of sin, which can contribute to differences in human conduct.
One significant theme explored through biblical examples is the universal presence of sin. The book of Psalms states that "all human beings are born sinners" [3]. This inherent sinful nature is contrasted with the godly, who actively resist it [3]. Similarly, the apostle John writes that "He that committeth sin is of the devil," clarifying that while the devil does not "beget" individuals, those who imitate him become his children through their actions [5]. This perspective suggests that sinful acts are not merely isolated incidents but stem from a deeper inclination. The Geneva Bible translation of Job 34:4 encourages seeking judgment and understanding what is good among ourselves [2], implying a need for discernment in human interactions.
The consequences of sin are also illustrated through various biblical narratives. The account of the first pair in Genesis highlights that their sin was not merely an act of eating forbidden fruit, but rather a profound "love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters—a preference of the creature to the Creator" [6]. This demonstrates how seemingly simple actions can have deep-seated motivations. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the universal sinfulness of humanity, stating that both Gentiles and Jews are "equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own" [8]. God's anger is depicted not as an arbitrary outburst, but as a necessary response to sin [8].
Furthermore, the Bible distinguishes between different types of sin and their implications. Deliberate sins are often characterized by an "insolent or arrogant attitude," representing rebellion against God [7]. The apostle John also addresses the claim "we have not sinned," clarifying that this refers to the commission of actual sins, even after conversion, and that denying this makes God a liar [9]. The concept of "vanity" in Proverbs is linked to "all sorts of sinful acts" [4]. These examples underscore the pervasive nature of sin and its varied expressions, which can manifest as diverse behaviors and attitudes in any human endeavor, including the workplace.
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”
- Job “Job 34:4 (Geneva1599) — Let vs seeke iudgement among vs, and let vs knowe among our selues what is good.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 3:8: He that committeth sin is of the devil--in contrast to "He that doeth righteousness," Jo1 3:7. He is a son of the devil (Jo1 3:10; Joh 8:44). John does not, however, say, "born of the devil." as he does "born of God," for "the devil begets none, nor does he create any; but whoever imitates the devil becomes a child of the devil by imitating him, not by proper birth" [AUGUSTINE, Ten Homilies on the First Epistle of John, Homily 4.10]. From the devil there is not generation, but corruption [BENGEL]. sinneth from the beginning--from the time that any beg”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:18: 1:18–3:20 Paul delays exploring the theme of righteousness through faith (see 3:21) until after he first teaches about universal sinfulness. Gentiles (1:18-32) and Jews (2:1–3:8) are equally under sin’s power and cannot find favor with God by any action of their own (3:9-20). 1:18 God’s anger is not a spontaneous emotional outburst, but the holy God’s necessary response to sin. The Old Testament often depicts God’s anger (Exod 32:10-12; Num 11:1; Jer 21:3-7) and predicts a decisive outpouring of God’s wrath on human sin at the end of history. While Paul usually de”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”