The Bridegroom
Like a lily among the thorns is my darling among the maidens.
The Bride
Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men.
-Song of Solomon 2:2-3
Imagine if you took the passage of Scripture from above literally. Does the Bridegroom really think that his bride is a lily? Does the Bride actually believe that her husband is an apple tree? Obviously not. That's because the Bible is a divinely inspired, inerrant, and authoritative book that uses diverse literary genres and contexts to reveal God’s truth. While a “literalist” approach to Scripture—seeking to understand the text exactly as it is written—has merits in affirming the Bible’s reliability, an extreme form of literalism can lead to misinterpretation and an impoverished understanding of biblical theology. This short post explores the pitfalls of extreme literalism, provides examples of its limitations, and offers a rationale for considering the Proverbs 31 Woman as a prophetic picture of the New Testament Church.
A rigid literalist approach often neglects the Bible’s use of figurative language, literary devices, and theological symbolism. Scripture is rich in poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, and parables—genres that demand interpretation beyond surface-level meaning. Ignoring (or misunderstanding) these dynamics can lead to misapplication or absurd conclusions. Biblical passages must be interpreted within their historical, cultural, and theological contexts. Extracting verses without considering their broader narrative can distort their meaning.
To illustrate the dangers of extreme literalism, consider a few examples. A literalist reading of the Song of Solomon would see it only as a love poem between Solomon and a Shulammite woman, ignoring its potential allegorical interpretation as a picture of Christ’s love for His Church (Ephesians 5:25-27). Taken exclusively as literal, passages such as “Your hair is like a flock of goats” (Song of Solomon 4:1) could lead to absurd conclusions about beauty standards. Similarly, an extreme literalist approach would misinterpret parables, such as the mustard seed necessarily being the “smallest of all seeds” (Matthew 13:32), as inaccurate botany, missing their function as illustrations of spiritual truths. Jesus’ command to gouge out one’s eye or cut off one’s hand to avoid sin (Matthew 5:29-30) is hyperbolic. Literal adherence would lead to physical harm rather than addressing the intended call to radical purity.
The book of Proverbs teaches godly wisdom (skillful living) and practical instruction for living a life that honors God. Its purpose is to impart wisdom, discipline, and understanding, leading to righteous and prudent living rooted in the "fear of the Lord" (Proverbs 1:1-7). Proverbs are not absolute promises but general principles that reflect God’s moral order. They offer timeless truths for ethical behavior, relationships, work, and decision-making. As poetic and metaphorical statements, they provoke thought and invite reflection rather than providing exhaustive instructions. Wisdom in Proverbs ultimately points to Christ, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3), and believers apply these truths by aligning their lives with God’s will, guided by the Holy Spirit. You can see a great video regarding the Book of Proverbs by The Bible Project folks >HERE<
The Proverbs 31 Woman is often celebrated as a model of godly womanhood, but her description also resonates with qualities ascribed to the New Testament Church. This interpretation does not contradict the text’s wisdom genre but enriches our ecclesiology by connecting it to biblical imagery and theology. The Church is explicitly described as the Bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7-9). Proverbs 31 presents an idealized bride who exemplifies wisdom, diligence, and virtue, qualities that align with the Church’s calling to glorify Christ. The Proverbs 31 Woman’s devotion to her household mirrors the Church’s responsibility to nurture and build up its members (Ephesians 4:11-16). Her industry and excellence reflect the Church’s mission to serve Christ and advance His Kingdom (Matthew 28:18-20). Her relationship with her husband, bringing him honor and working for his good (Proverbs 31:11-12, 23), parallels the Church’s role in exalting Christ.
Wisdom literature often uses idealized characters to illustrate broader theological truths. Viewing the Proverbs 31 Woman as typological (a symbol pointing to Christ’s Bride) fits within the Bible’s use of typology to connect Old Testament figures and themes to New Testament realities (e.g., Adam as a type of Christ in Romans 5:14). While the Bible does not explicitly state that the Proverbs 31 Woman represents the Church, considering her as a prophetic picture enriches our understanding of the Church’s role and identity. This interpretation should not be dogmatic but can serve as a fruitful framework for fostering a healthy ecclesiology.
The goal of interpreting the Proverbs 31 Woman as a picture of Christ’s Bride is not speculative eschatology but a robust ecclesiology. This perspective emphasizes the Church’s identity as called to holiness, diligence, and faithful service. It underscores the Church’s purpose in reflecting Christ’s glory through obedience and love. It also highlights the Church’s mission to proclaim the gospel and build one another up in Christ. By encouraging followers of Christ to see ourselves corporately as the Bride of Christ, this interpretation deepens our commitment to unity, service, and worship.
An extreme literalist view of Scripture risks ignoring context, genre, and theological depth, leading to erroneous conclusions. Recognizing the literary and symbolic richness of Scripture allows for a more nuanced understanding, such as seeing the Proverbs 31 Woman as a possible picture of Christ’s Bride. This approach upholds the integrity of the text while fostering a deeper appreciation for the Church’s role in God’s redemptive plan. Through balanced interpretation, we honor the Word of God and grow in our understanding of His purposes for His people. The following are a couple of fantastic resources for learning how to read and properly interpret the various books of the Bible to arrive at solid understanding and application:
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, by Douglas Stuart, Gordon D. Fee
Grasping God's Word: A Hands-On Approach to Reading, Interpreting, and Applying the Bible, by J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays
Blessings and love,
-Kevin M. Kelley
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