Word Pictures in the Bible - Do You Understand Them? -Make Sure of the Point of Similarity

We may get the wrong impression from just reading a word picture without establishing the point of similarity. Take, for example, the words found at Romans 12:20: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you heap fiery coals  upon his head."  Does the heaping of fiery colas on a person's head indicate a retaliatory punishment? No, not when we understand the point of similarity. This word picture  is drawn from the ancient process of smelting. Ore was heated on a bed of coals,, and some coals were heaped on top of ore as well. This process melted the ore and causes the pure metal to separate from any impurities.  Likewise, exercising kindness will tend to soften a person's attitude and bring out the good in them.

The correct understanding of word pictures not only enlightens our minds but also touches our hearts. We feel the heaviness of sin when it is  likened to a debt.  (Luke 11:4)   But when Jehovah forgives us and cancels the debt that would otherwise be charged against out account, what  relief we feel!  When we are told  that he 'covers over' and 'blots out' our sins-wiping the slate clean as it were-we are reassured that he will not hold such sins against us in the future.  (Psalm 32:1;, 2; Acts 3:19) And how comforting It is  to know that Jehovah can take cons  that are as glaring as scarlet or crimson and make them as white as snow! - ISAIAH 1:18.

These are just few of the hundreds of word pictures found in God's Word, the Bible.  So when you read your Bible, take special note of the word pictures.  Take time to ascertain the points of similarity and meditate on these. Doing so will enrich your understanding of  and appreciation for the Scriptures. 

Next time: YOUNG PEOPLE ASK/Friendship or Romance? -Part 1: What Signals Am I Receiving? 

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