New Living Translation of Proverbs 10:22
"The blessings of the Lord bring true wealth, and hard work adds nothing to it."
Fictional Narrative Writing Prompt
Characters: Jasmine, Lisa, Bruce, Charlie, and Shawn
Setting: A bustling city on the eve of a grand charity gala
Prompt:
In a world where wealth is often equated with success, the five friends—Jasmine, Lisa, Bruce, Charlie, and Shawn—find themselves at a crossroads. Each has a different view of what true wealth means.
- Jasmine, the idealist, believes that wealth is measured by one’s impact on the community and the relationships they nurture.
- Lisa, a driven entrepreneur, values financial success and sees it as a reflection of personal achievement.
- Bruce, the skeptic, has seen the dark side of riches and questions whether the pursuit of wealth is worth the potential for loss of integrity.
- Charlie, the artist, finds fulfillment in creativity and freedom, seeing wealth as a barrier to true happiness.
- Shawn, the pragmatist, argues that while financial security is essential, it’s the blessings of family and friendships that create real wealth.
Directions:
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Begin with a Scene: Set the narrative by describing the charity gala that all five characters are attending. Illustrate the contrasting atmospheres of wealth and community spirit.
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Character Exploration: Dive into the internal thoughts of each character as they navigate the gala. How does their perspective on wealth influence their actions and interactions with others?
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Conflict Introduction: Introduce a pivotal moment during the gala—perhaps a heated debate about the charity’s purpose or an unexpected revelation about the source of one of the guests’ wealth.
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Development of Themes: As the story progresses, weave in discussions or monologues reflecting on Proverbs 10:22. Show how each character’s actions either align with or challenge their beliefs about wealth.
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Climactic Resolution: Create a climax where the characters must confront their differing beliefs. Perhaps they decide to join forces for an impactful charity project that embodies their collective values.
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Conclude with Reflection: End the narrative with a moment of reflection. How have the events of the night reshaped their understanding of wealth? Draw connections back to the idea that true wealth comes not from material gain but from the blessings and bonds created through love and shared purpose.
- Revise and Edit: After completing your draft, revise for clarity, emotional impact, and thematic depth. Ensure that each character’s voice is distinct and contributes to the overall message.
Consider how the individual and collective journeys of Jasmine, Lisa, Bruce, Charlie, and Shawn illustrate the essence of wealth as framed by Proverbs 10:22.
