Parables, Proverbs, & Prophecy

Systematic Theology - Lesson 129 - Hermeneutics: Parables, Proverbs, and Prophecy - Mark 4:10-12; Prov. 26:4-5. The Pharisees were quite specific about keeping the letter of the law and also quite prolific at violating the spirit of the law. To better understand the spirit (intention) of the law, we need to understand the differences between parables, proverbs, and prophecy. Parables are stories based on life situations that help us handle abstract concepts. Proverbs are "catchy little couplets" designed to express practical truisms. And predictive and apocalyptic prophecy have foretold and foretell future events and are usually heavily symbolic.