Proverbs 30:17 "The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be pecked out..."

The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures. (Proverbs 30:17)

Question:

I was raised in a religion that interpreted the Bible literally, and this scripture was misused with the youth in the congregation. You can imagine what images this brings up in young minds. A metaphysical interpretation to replace the literal one in my head would be much appreciated!

Comment:

I can indeed imagine the gruesome images this passage would plant in young minds! How sad to warp a child’s innate spiritual understanding with fearful images of divine punishment.

Although there is metaphysical truth in all books of the Bible, Proverbs contains less than most, simply because it is focused with the practicalities of living a human life.  “Proverbs” are basically folk sayings—expressions drawn from the apparent duality of life—and so, while useful, they aren’t rooted in the deeper dimensions of spiritual truth.

That said, this is really about honoring our Source, and the pitfalls of disrespecting the “father” and “mother” that are that Source. Metaphysically we are not talking simply about our human parents, but about the masculine and feminine energies of the divine that are the Christ Presence within us. If we choose to ignore that Presence, or deny it, we will be unable to see it and express it in our lives. (Our “eye” will be pecked out.) The ravens and vultures we encounter in the course of our human experience will respond to our negative attitudes and denial of the divine by overwhelming us with their dark and fearful energies.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed