Parable : Purpose & Use
Parables; we hear them and see them used commonly in the scriptures. Yet, what are they and more importantly what purpose do they serve?
Ezekiel 17:2 KJVS
[2] Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;
A parable is synonymous to a riddle. Using dictionary.com a parable is defined as follows:
Parable
a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson.
a statement or comment that conveys a meaning indirectly by the use of comparison, analogy, or the like.
Parables allow a writer or speaker to teach or give an understanding of something using metaphors or analogies. And because they are often not plainly said, it can lead many to be confused as to what exactly is trying to be conveyed. And can even be interpreted differently by the listeners or readers. This can be due to an ambiguous meaning to the saying. Other times it is simply because we don’t understand what is trying to be conveyed. I’m not picking up what you are putting down, so to speak.
Psalm 78:2 KJVS
[2] I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Parables are “dark sayings”. And no, the words won’t show up a different color, they will show up on paper as all others do. And spoken in the language you know. Yet, they also appear in a language you don’t. The words are spoken clearly, yet, they are of a mystery; shrouded in a veil of secrecy. Leaving the gazer blind unto the whereabouts of the details. Only aware of a presence unfamiliar. To put it plainly, a “dark saying” is a word or phrase that is not easily understood. Just as when it is dark outside I am not able to see as clearly as I would if it were light.
Psalm 49:4 KJVS
[4] I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.
You have to choose to put yourself in a place to be around people physically or tune in to the channels where those people are to hear those parables.
Psalm 78:2 KJVS
[2] I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
These proverbs aren’t anything new. People may find a different angle or approach in saying it. But the origin comes from something that was already stated in times past.
Psalm 78:2-3 KJVS
[2] I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: [3] Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.
You learn these sayings and what they mean by being taught by your parents. As well as being taught by the elders you have in your family and community. This is how wise tales, folklore, legends and so many other things live on because we carry it and keep it alive through the generations we teach it to. Passing it down to our children and the children to come after them.
Psalm 78:2 KJVS
[2] I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Once taught, now you are able to do the same. Being instructed in the way to reveal what this means and how it makes sense.
Ezekiel 24:3 KJVS
[3] And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it:
The Most High gives parables often times for our people to hear what they or their actions may be likened to. This shows us parables can be given due to correction or guidance that may be needed. As the angle may shed light on the side of one’s reasoning that is still in darkness and not able to comprehend the words being stated.
Matthew 13:3 KJVS
[3] And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow;
Christ used parables often when teaching. They can be a great learning tool or resource to enrich a message.
Proverbs 25:2 KJVS
[2] It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.
The Most High finds beauty in hiding wisdom. As is the earth so is knowledge. The common things are easily found, as the dirt. But the glorious things must be labored for and dug up as they are hidden and few like gold and diamonds. It is those who hold themselves in a higher position of dignity, nobility, respect and influence that will add glory to themselves and the Most High in finding out the truth of the situation.
Job 42:3 KJVS
[3] Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.
You do not want to simply repeat anything you hear because it sounds profound or poetic. Some thing’s are too wonderful for you at the time. Or as we may say, “it goes over your head.” To high for you to catch or comprehend. You don’t really know or understand. And if you begin to repeat it in order to sound wise you will begin to look foolish. He that has wisdom with no understanding is like he that has a treasure chest with no key.
Mark 4:10-12 KJVS
[10] And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. [11] And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: [12] That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
When you don’t understand the best thing to do is sincerely ask. And know that not everyone will understand. And some understandings are more spiritual. It will come as you move in righteousness and apply the word. There are spirits that are tied to reasoning and actions. And if you want the Most High’s spirit of knowledge, understanding and wisdom. You must apply his word in your life and in due season he will reveal it unto you.
Proverbs 4:7 KJVS
[7] Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
