Learning Scriptures Made Easy

If the previous techniques do not seem to work well for you, you may want to look for contrast or comparison within the verse(s).

This technique is similar to the “Look for Similarities or Differences” technique. However, instead of looking for similarities or differences between key words or key phrases, you are required to look for conjunctions or key transitional words or phrases to show contrast and comparison between two parts of a given verse. Before you review the procedures below, definitions of these terms are given for your convenience:

A conjunction is a word that is used to join or connect other words, groups of words, or thoughts. It links what was said to what is about to be said.
A transitional word or phrase is used to link two phrases by making a smooth connection.

Sift through the following table carefully before reviewing examples to identify key transitional words/phrases and conjunctions:

Transitional words/phrases or conjunctions	Purpose	Can be used to:
but	to contrast	Introduce a statement in opposition to what came before it
and	to link / to join	Connect same or similar statements
so	to describe / to show purpose	State the purpose of, the reason for action expressed earlier; introduce: the rejected alternative in a comparison the second statement of inequality a statement that states a result or consequences of something that precedes
than	to compare	Show the similarity between two statements
because/for/to	to show cause	Express reason, purpose
as / like	to compare / to show how	Show extent or degree; equally
if...then	to show condition	Express condition (usually if one condition is met then the other condition will be achieved.)
before, during, after, until, when, whenever, while, as long as, and since	to show time	Show when something has occurred or will occur

Review the following sections on key conjunctions and transitional words/phrases examples:

Conjunctions: And

In the verses below, THE SECOND HALF of the verse IS SAYING BASICALLY THE SAME THING AS THE FIRST HALF but in a different way:

PROVERBS 11:25

Notice that “the liberal soul” and “he that watereth” are referring to basically the same type of person.

PROVERBS 11:29

Notice again that “he that troubleth his own house” and “the fool” are basically the same.

Conjunctions: But

In some of the following verses, the action of one type of PERSON (e.g., wise, prudent, simple, righteous, or diligent) is linked by the conjunction “but” to the OPPOSITE (negative) type of PERSON (e.g., fool or wicked) and HIS action.

Also note that the action of one type of THING (e.g., merry heart) is linked by the conjunction “but” to the OPPOSITE (negative) type of THING (e.g., broken spirit) and ITS action.

Review the following examples:

PROVERBS 10:3-4

Notice that the “righteous/wicked” and the “poor/the hand of the diligent (rich)” are exact opposites of each other.

PROVERBS 14:15-16, and 18

Notice again that the words “simple/prudent” and “wise/fool” are exact opposites of each other.

PROVERBS 14:30

PROVERBS 17:22

The transition BUT is important to notice in some scripture passages because it helps you to keep verses within its context. For example, some Christians quote 1 Corinthians 2:9 which says:

But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things God hath prepared for them that love him.

However, they sometimes forget to quote the next verse (1 Corinthians 2:10) which says:

BUT God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God

Without quoting the second verse, someone may think that Christians may not know the things God have prepared for them.

Conjunctions: So

THE FIRST PART of the verses below SHOW CONTRAST TO THE SECOND PART. Notice also the words As and is: