Solomon's Similes

Song: Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

Scripture: Proverbs 25:18-20

One of the favorite literary forms used by Solomon and his wise men is the simile. A simile is a simple comparison between two seemingly unlike objects for the sake of illustration. It’s a parable of sorts. This colorful illustrative device is distinguished by its use of “like” or “as” when making the comparison. Three such similes are found in this context.

A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a club and a sword and a sharp arrow. He allows himself to be used as weapon by his neighbor’s opponent. The man who allows himself to be so used is a pitiful sort.

An undependable man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or an unstable footing. He’s sure to move under pressure causing you great pain in the process. Better to be toothless or one-legged than to have friends you can’t lean on.

The man who sings songs of “Blue Skies” and “Rainbows” to the downtrodden is like the man who takes off a coat on a winter’s day or drinks vinegar to quench his thirst. He offers poor comfort to the victim, but instead afflicts him with a chill. Sometimes it’s better just to listen than to cheer.

Aren’t those colorful? And insightful too! Makes me want to look for others to contemplate. That’s the charm of the proverbs. They make you reflect on life.

Jason Moore