Does Obeying the Literal Words of a Verse Make One’s Behavior “More Biblical”?

Or, is behavior “more Biblical” when the cross-culture principle is applied?

Proverbs 31: 6-7 “Give beer to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more” (ESV).

Is it “more Biblical” to hand out cans of Coors Light instead of providing pharmaceutical relief to the dying? Or is sending a widow a bottle of Cab-Sauv “more Biblical” than flowers and a meal? There are often more effective ways to embody the principle within a text than the specific examples given. It’s the principle that transcends cultures. The particulars themselves may be culturally bound, as seen in the case of Proverbs 31:6-7.

Followers of Christ are often behaving “more Biblical” when living out the text’s intended principle. Believers easily apply the implied meaning of the “Give beer” passage without any concern of disobeying God’s Word. But other Proverbs texts (“the rod” verses), for a variety of reasons, have been accepted as timeless prescriptions, containing no culturally bound component. Let’s look at one of those passages:

Proverbs 23:13 “Do not withhold discipline from a youth [na’ar]; if you punish him with a rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod, you will rescue his life from Sheol” (CSB).

Before we look for the broader, cross-cultural wisdom and principle in Proverbs 23:13, let’s remember that whenever studying the Bible we should consider the following:

• Surrounding text: In most English Bibles, the Hebrew word na’ar is typically translated as “child.” And while I am my mother’s child, I am 43 years old. When our culture reads the word “child” we usually think of very young person, like a toddler. Surrounding Proverbs texts supports na’ar as being a maturing young man or teenager in need of wisdom^[1]. For example, in Proverbs chapter 7, the na’ar is depicted as old enough to be sexually mature. To avoid proof texting^[2], it’s important to read the full book of the text and to consider the full council of scriptures. Reading all 31 chapters of Proverbs presents a beautiful picture of a father fervently passing on wisdom to his soon-to-be-adult son (1:4).
• The translation: When studying the Bible, it is best practice to refer to multiple translations because while the original text is inerrant, translations are the result of human effort. There have been many advancements in Scripture translation since the 1600s when the KJV was first published (many English translations are just revisions of the KJV). Archeologists have found multiple scrolls, writings, and manuscripts since then that have provided us a greater understanding of the ancient languages. The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is an example of a “pioneer” translation, not just a revision of the KJV.

• The literary context: We need to ask ourselves if the Book we are studying is narrative, historical, poetry, wisdom writing, prophecy, epistles (letters), or teaching? Proverbs is wisdom writing- we don’t have wisdom writing today, but its much like poetry with figurative language like euphemisms and alliteration. Proverbs is not a book of commands or divine promises to claim.

• The intended audience: We must seek to understand the author’s intentions and worldview. The author of Proverbs is (mostly) King Solomon and his worldview, the lens which he viewed the world, would have been one that saw severe beatings and mutilation, such as cutting off hands, and sound ethics for law breakers.

• Jewish culture: Reading these texts within the ancient near eastern setting and alongside the Mosaic Law provides necessary context to understand the original author’s intent and the audience’s perspective at that time. The Laws of Moses, when compared to those of the ancient near-eastern world, demonstrate mercy and generous treatment of people.

The truth is, corporal punishment is “Biblical,” slavery is “Biblical” when we focus on only the literal words-on-the-page application. How do we live a life today that honors scripture? Instead of merely applying the literal, specific words on the page, we seek to apply the cross-culture principal of the text.

So, What exactly is the principle of Proverbs 23:13? It’s simple: parents must discipline (teach) their children and impart the Gospel to them. Following this principle not only respects the author’s intentions but also serves the higher purpose of scripture.

_{Sources and footnotes:}

1. _{Na’ar: David was a na’ar when he slayed Goliath (1 Sam 17:42). Absalom was a na’ar when he killed his brother (2 Sam 14:21). Joseph was also a na’ar at age 17 when he was sold into slavery (Gen 37 2-28). Joshua was a na’ar when he spied out the promised land (Exo 33:11). Old enough to need receive warnings about fraudulent wealth (Pr. 13:11). Peers old enough to drink (Pr. 23:20). Of the age to receive warnings of prostitutes (Pr. 23:27 & 29:30).In a position of trust with their master (Ge. 22:3; Ex. 33:11; 1Sa. 9:6). Oversees other servants (Ge. 41:12; 1Ki. 11:28). Entrusted with important military missions (Jos. 6:22; Jdg. 7:10-11). Between a child and a man (Ge. 21:12; Ge. 22:12). Able to be apart from the family (Ge. 25:27; Ge 43:8). Orphan (1Sa. 4:21). Dedicated to God (Jdg. 13:7; 1Sa 1:24). At-risk (Ex. 2:6; 2Sa. 12:16).}
2. _{Proof Texting: https://www.biblestudy.org/beginner/definition-of-christian-terms/prooftexting.html}
3. _{William Webb, Corporal Punishment in the Bible – A Redemptive-Movement Hermeneutic for Troubling Texts (IVP Academic, 2011)}. _{Read my review of William Web’s book here.}