Sullivan's tension theory compared with wisdom in the Book of Proverbs

Psychodynamic Theories

Compare and contrast Sullivan's Tensions (Needs & Anxiety) with the wisdom given in the Bible in the Book of Proverbs

According to Sullivan, all tensions can be classified as either tensions of need or tensions of anxiety. When a person is suffering a tension of need, the person may or may not be aware of this tension, but there is a clear imbalance in the person's state of homeostasis. Need-based tensions, in contrast to anxiety, are brought about by a biological imbalance between the body and the environment that may be personal or interpersonal. A person may be tired, hungry, drinking too much alcohol, in a state of sexual desire, or in pain. To address such need-based deficiencies the Book of Proverbs councils its readers not to commit adultery, to eschew strong drink, and to live a harmonious life and seek wisdom rather than to enjoy the pleasures of the moment. For scripture, tension always has its roots fundamentally in spiritual, not physical imbalances, although the believer needs to pursue a moderate physical path, in keeping with the commandments, to realize his or her spiritual needs and requirements always take predominance over transient pleasures. While Sullivan differentiates between zonal and general tensions, for the Bible, all tensions, even if they may appear to be specific, are rooted in an imbalance between man and the world that God has created.