Personification is a noun defined as a “representation of a thing or abstraction as a person or by the human form” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). This literary instrument is often used by poets or novelists wanting to provide a visual illustration for an abstract lesson. One popular example that can be easily recognized is the personification of innocence. It is very probable that the image that appeared in your mind’s eye was that of a baby. Although innocence has neither shape nor form, observe how a child embodies the definition of what innocence is. As a result of this personification, a person can more rapidly comprehend what innocence is as opposed to the verbal explanation that it is the absence of guilt or malice. Even though this common example is simple to understand, it is just as true that there are moments when this literary tool is used, where the interpretation can be a bit complex. One particular reason where this can be true is when the same symbol is applied to two antipodal ideas. In these circumstances, the context in which the image is applied becomes pivotal for the proper interpretation. If the context is misunderstood or ignored, the personification is rendered useless due to misinterpretation. Regrettably, this is one of the most common mistakes made by many who study the Bible; particularly the poetic books of Psalms and Proverbs. It is often either ignored or forgotten that these books are in actuality Hebrew poetry. Because of this, often figurative language used by the inspired scribes is erroneously believed to be literal, and thus the lesson is completely deviated. Hence the importance of Paul’s emphasis to the Ephesian elders, “I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27, emphasis added). This, undeniably, included his full understanding of Scriptures’ use of symbols, shadows, and personifications. One cannot declare “the whole counsel of God” if a symbolic embodiment is wrongfully taught to be literal. Of this, the Lord rebuked the religious leaders of His time declaring “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” (Matthew 22:29, emphasis added). Remember that in this pericope of Holy Writ, the Sadducees were trying to entrap the Master in a query which they believed would disprove the reality of resurrection by using an earthly example. Therefore, Jesus manifested the source of their confusion to be their lack of spiritual understanding as a result of an earthly focus. In other words, they erred in believing that heaven would be physical, leading them to ignore that it is, indeed, a spiritual realm. Although our Savior made this clear distinction centuries ago, it is lamentable to know that there are still those who hold this exact misconception. An error conceived from practicing the same irresponsible method of studying a portion of Holy Scripture and not the whole. The Lord’s admonishment of the Sadducee’s reiterates King Solomon’s sage advice majestically portrayed through personification (Proverbs 9:1-18). In this proverb, the king excellently uses the image of a woman to represent two opposite ideals. It is wise to clarify that in his inspired poem, they are not the same woman since they are contrary to one another. He begins his proverb by saying, “Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars” and further into the text continues, “A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple, and knows nothing. For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places of the city” (Proverbs 9:1, 13-14, emphasis added). The inspired king curiously portrays wisdom and folly as two contrasting women. Observe how he begins his personification of wisdom and folly, by depicting actions performed by each woman. Wisdom is described by Solomon as a woman diligently working on her abode, whereas Folly is said to be sitting at the door of her house. Unequivocally, his explanation of what begins to distinguish a wise man from a foolish man is reflected by their application to a task. Here, Wisdom is focused on building her house and insuring its durability whereas Folly is seen conformed with what she has, focusing more on those outside of her house. Verily, it is difficult not to think about the Master’s parable of the wise and foolish virgins that promulgates the precious worth of diligent preparation (Matthew 25:1-13). Similar to Solomon, the Lord revealed a virgin’s wisdom or folly through their preparedness (or lack thereof) to receive the bridegroom. Observe that in Solomon’s proverb, both women have homes; in Christ’s parable both women have lamps. In Solomon’s proverb, Wisdom is not complacent with just having her home, but rather “She has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table” (Proverbs 9:2). The same is true for the five wise virgins in the parable of our Master for He explains “the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps” (Matthew 25:4). Their attention to detail and refusal to depend on others to fulfill their tasks must not be ignored. Let us recall that the grave mistake of the Sadducees was that they ignored the spiritual value of Scripture, by settling for a literal interpretation. Without a doubt, this was a product of not wanting to delve deeper into Holy Writ because it is much easier to settle for the literal. The five foolish virgins were aware that they were going to receive the bridegroom, but dismissed the possibility of him being delayed. Hence, they took their lamps but due to their incredulity they “took no oil with them” (Matthew 25:4b, emphasis added). An unfortunate decision that dearly cost them in the end. It is interesting, however, that in Solomon’s proverb both Wisdom and Folly call to the simple man. Behold the purpose for the king’s choice in personifying these characteristics as women. Each characteristic is represented by the inspired king by a certain aspect more relatable with a woman than a man. If we examine the context of each embodiment closely, we begin to see Wisdom in the light of a nurturing mother and Folly in the light of a seducing temptress. Observe how the maternal Wisdom is preparing the household and invites the simple to “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed” (Proverbs 9:5, emphasis added). Folly, on the other hand, seductively entices “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant” (Proverbs 9:17, emphasis added). The king’s portrait illustrates how holiness and sin are manifested through wisdom and foolishness; through diligence and negligence. God (through His chosen scribe) reveals that those who choose to live a godless life, do so because it is easier to live that way. Yet, Holy Writ warns that he who heeds Folly’s voice, “does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell” (Proverbs 9:18, emphasis added). Knowing this, it becomes evident why Wisdom implores “Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding” (Proverbs 9:6, emphasis added).
