READING THE BIBLE AS LITERATURE 1

Proverbs Discussion

Nicola Williams-Anderson

Jamaica Theological Seminar

GND1102: Reading the Bible as Literature

Miss: Erica Campbell

November
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Introduction

The bible can be defined as a manual designed by the supreme God, outlining Laws,

scriptures and events. Its main purpose is for enlightenment, and guidance for us as humans to

follow in order to be close to God and gain everlasting acceptance from him. The bible is God’s

word and humans living daily bread, in the beginning was the word and the word became flesh

and the word was God. His words, help us to make live choices and outlines the repercussions of

these choices, if they are not in accordance with his word.

As humans living in todays world can be difficult, as a result of negative influences

which contributes to distorted morals and values, that further impede individual’s decision to

make choices. Our choices develop onto actions, actions develop behavior, behavior develops

habit, habits develop character and character determines one’s destiny. According to Biblical

Resources, there are only two ways God’s or the devils, what man thinks is his own way is really

Satan’s way and puts him under the authority of the enemy. If someone is not for God, he

automatically is against Him (Matthew 12:30). There is no possible way man can just do his own

thing and think he is not making a choice. That choice is choosing Satan’s way. Even “no

choice” on man’s part is a choice, because when we refuse to choose, others will make our

choices for us.

https://bibleresources.org/free-will-choices/

Choices Create Our Future: What the Bible Says about Free Will
By Betty Miller(2012).
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Discussions on the features and message of Proverbs

The main features of the book of Proverbs are fear of God, wisdom, temperance, honesty,

hard work, and humility, these features are essential contributors to individual’s holistic

development and decision-making skills. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, knowing

God and having a connection with him may lead us in a path which will promote positive

decision-making skills and enhance our attitudes. In addition to having a connection with God,

wisdom is also an important attribute for individual’s problem-solving skills, being able to

discern between right and wrong choices. It is important for people to be equipped with problem

solving skills to overcome challenges which may arise throughout life’s course and further

enhance character development, which will shape their destiny.

Temperance is another contributing factor, that can promote character development.

According John Basio “temperance is the virtue of self-control and moderation”. According to

learn Religion “Temperance is primarily concerned with the control of the desires of the flesh,

but when it manifests itself as modesty, it can also restrain the desires of the spirit, such as pride.

In all cases, the practice of temperance requires the balancing of legitimate goods against an

inordinate desire for them”. (By Scott P. Richert (2018). When an individual has the ability to

recognize when he\she should subsequently, accept their losses or be content with what they

have achieved in life, may assist in self-control and positive character development

https://www.learnreligions.com/temperance-a-cardinal-virtue-542135

Moderation determines the extent in which we as human permits ourselves to go. This

attribute helps to acknowledge when we should desist from our actions or continue to allow our

selfish desires and pleasures to alter our perception of how we view life and persons around us.

These features are essential contributors to the Social Work profession and other helping
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professions as they guide decision making, and further promote positive individual traits, that

can be utilized to further help clients develop good moral and values, which can effectively

improve client’s holistic development with God. As Social Workers we have the opportunity to

positively guide our clients by directing them to make right life choices, due to the negative

actions in todays society as a result of bad choices it is evident that individuals are desperately

indeed of social intervention, to further develop the will and skills to effectively maneuver their

challenges and develop coping skills and resiliency.

Social Workers main goal is to empower clients and guide them on an effective path to

recovery and overall development. It is vital that we help clients recognize their destiny and the

strategic steps involved to effectively succeed, each individual is unique hence requires different

interventive techniques. Though Social workers need to be readily aware of cultural difference

when working with clients, outlining the consequences of making negative life decision verses

the improvement and empowerment of making right decisions should be shared perception of

clients, is also important for clients to demonstrate, humility, compassion and empathy towards

others and not make selfish decisions that will only cater to their needs.
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References
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Title in Full

This will be the body of your paper. Each new paragraph is indented one tab. The entire

body of your paper will be double-spaced. This includes the “References” page at the end. Don’t

forget that you’ll need to include an in-text citation every time you quote, paraphrase, or

summarize an outside source of information. This is very important. Each item that you include

an in-text citation for must also be listed in your reference list.

(A short student paper may not have section headings. Please check with your instructor to see

whether section headings should be included in your paper.)

Type Your Level One Heading Title

Type Your Level Two Heading Title

Conclusion
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References

Author, A. A., Author B. B., & Author, C. C. (year). Title of article. Title of Journal,

volume(issue), page-page. doi:x.xxxx/xxxx-xxxx.xx.x.xxx

Author, D.D. (year, Month day). Title of article. Title of Newspaper,

https://newspaper.homepage

Author, E.E., & Author, F.F. (year). Title of book. Publisher.

Author, G.G., & Author, H.H. (year, Month day). Title of document. https://www.xxxxxxx

Your references will be listed alphabetical by author’s last name. They will not be indented the

same way as the body of your paper. Each reference will have a “hanging indent,” like

this paragraph is written. This guide shows how to create different types of reference

entries: https://national.libguides.com/apa_7th/reference