Mirroring academic journeys through figurative language in the Book of Proverbs

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in studying figurative language, not only in literary works but also in the Bible. However, while most studies have focused on the Books of Psalms, little attention has been paid to the Book of Proverbs. Therefore, this study aimed to review the Book of Proverbs by identifying the different figures of speech and understanding the underlying values within these figures of speech in relation to students’ academic journeys or pursuits. Using qualitative content analysis, the researchers identified 40 figurative languages, and they were classified into ten different figures of speech. Furthermore, the values found in the Book of Proverbs reflect guiding principles, reminding students that amidst the challenges of learning, it is crucial to persevere until the goal is achieved. Thus, since the Book of Proverbs magnifies the desired values that God wants people to observe, students or anyone who is in their academic pursuits can consider it a gigantic mirror that reflects relatable insights, stories, and experiences.