Generally speaking, when dealing with the issues of cultural relativity and normality as they relate to the application of the principles contained in Scripture, one must be careful not to allow the poison of the secular world view dilute the precepts found in the Bible. Where the Scripture gives a firm commandment we must stand firm. When the world around us says that it is permissible, even advisable, to conduct ourselves outside of the guidelines in scripture, we must stand firm and subvert the cultural normality. It is this different viewpoint that makes us stand out against the background of a godless culture. That being said, we must be just as careful to not form unyielding rules from principles that Scripture does not make a firm stance on. This staunch legalism is in direct opposition to the Gospel and has more in common with the Pharisaical culture that Jesus opposed than the New Testament Church found in the first century. It is in light of these principles that we will look at the following texts:
1 Corinthians 7:25-28
This passage deals with whether or not the unmarried should be given in marriage, presumably in response to a question asked of Paul by the church in Corinth. It should be noted that Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does not answer with an express instruction (v.25, “I have no command from the Lord,”) but does give his divinely inspired advice (v.25 “but I give a Judgment”).
Overall Paul’s advice in this situation is given in the context of the “present crisis.” If this letter was indeed written circa A.D. 55 – 59 this present crisis could have very well referred to the persecution that was faced by the early Christians at the hands of the Roman government. This advice to remain in the state in which you were in at the moment would be consistent with this, in that a family would face greater difficulty as a result of the persecution then a single person. In verse 28 Paul concludes, even though he advises against it, that if you do marry you have not sinned.
In dealing with the matter of application here the principle is that one should “count the cost,” or carefully weigh out the consequences of marriage prior to being married. Specifically, Paul addresses the “present crisis” which is not applicable to today’s Christian. However, the suggestion that comes with this advice is to take into account the present affairs when considering marriage. The advice to carefully consider all of the consequences of marriage is definitely applicable to the Christian today.
In today’s society the cultural norm is for young women to place a great deal of importance on their career and personal goals instead of family concerns. This passage encourages young people to carefully evaluate all of the concerns before making a decision.
Proverbs 22:15
As we have already learned we cannot skip over interpretation while attempting to make an application of a passage of Scripture. As we begin to interpret the passage at hand we must remember that proverbs teach general truths in didactic form and that these general truths are not always applicable in every specific situation. When looking at this passage one must first have an understanding of the sin nature that man is born with. This nature is what is referred to as folly that is bound in the heart of the child. A child is born with an inherent predisposition toward sinful behavior that will jeopardize the child’s well being.
Another important term to understand as it is used in the text is rod. The word rendered rod in the text is the Hebrew word transliterated shêbeṭ, which means literally, a stick. Shepherds in ancient Israel would use a stick, or rod, to correct his sheep when they went astray. When the word rod is used in ancient Hebrew literature it is often depictive of discipline in general (cf. Ps. 23:4, 2 Sam. 7:14, Job 21:9).
In today’s society when one speaks of “the rod” in the context of discipline it conjures up images of corporal punishment. While I do believe in the effectiveness of properly administered corporal punishment this passage is speaking of discipline in general. Discipline in a child’s life is extremely important to overcome the inherent disposition toward negative behavior.
One contemporary illustration is that of the child who is caught stealing candy from a store. No one has taught the child to steal; this behavior is the result of an inherent disposition toward sin (folly bound in the child’s heart). When the parent learns of this transgression they do not tolerate such conduct and meet it with discipline (the rod). As a result the child learns that stealing is wrong and will not be tolerated (the folly is driven far from him).
One school of thought on child discipline today would encourage parents to explore alternative methods of diverting the child’s energy away from destructive behavior, but this passage clearly teaches that discipline is the method that is most effective.
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