The Famous Figurative Language Disappearing Act: Post for 11/30

While reading a piece of literature, be it from the Bible or not, we never really look for figurative language. We get so used to it being there and interpreting it instantly that it almost disappears. The only times we ever really notice it are when they take time to process or you don't get the connection right away. At least, that is how it works for me. When I went to read Paul's letter to the Philippians it was difficult for me to find figurative language. I had to slow down a lot and try to process the material differently. Even reading at a snail's pace, I didn't find a lot of figurative language. I'm not even sure what figurative language we are supposed to be looking for. Or even if some things I found are figurative language. For example, "... having been filled with the fruit of righteousness". Is that figurative language? I know that righteousness is not literally a piece of fruit. So is it figurative language? What kind?

Other than some of those types of statements, I really didn't find a lot of figurative language. I found a few uses of simile, but that was just about it. I found as simile that stated, "...among whom you appear as lights in the world..." referring to the saved in a world full of sinners. Paul also says, "...even if I am being poured out as a drinking offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith...". When Paul was speaking of Timothy he said, "But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father" to show how Paul was Timothy's mentor and spiritual father. I'm sure there were more examples of figurative language, but I either missed them or didn't know what they were.

I think understanding figurative language is a necessary part of reading literature, especially the Bible. The Bible has many examples of figurative language, all of which helps us get a better understanding of teachings, God, and other things. Figurative language might provide a concrete explanation for an abstract concept or relate a lesson to something that we would understand. If we looked at the Bible, and many other literary works, without a basic knowledge of figurative language I think we would just be confused.