Interpreting Proverbs and Parables

In this lesson, we consider how to interpret proverbs and parable. Many people make the mistake of thinking that proverbs are absolutes for which there is no exception. This leads to biblical contradictions. We will consider the example of Proverbs 22:6 -- "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Errors abound with respect to this text, mainly because people do not understand the nature of Proverbs and also because they fail to interpret scripture with scripture. Secondly, we consider parables and examine pitfalls that can occur in the interpretation of parables.