Final answer:
The type of parallelism in the phrase 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble' is antithetical parallelism, which uses opposing ideas in a balanced structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" exemplifies the use of antithetical parallelism, a rhetorical device that employs parallel structure to present contrasting ideas. In this specific construction, the parallelism is evident in the balanced structure of the two clauses, where each presents a contrasting concept while maintaining a parallel grammatical form.
Antithetical parallelism serves to emphasize the sharp contrast between the proud and the humble, utilizing opposing ideas to create a powerful impact on the reader or listener. The intentional juxtaposition of "opposes" and "gives grace" heightens the dichotomy between these two states of being. The proud, positioned in opposition to God, experience opposition or resistance, while the humble receive grace, representing divine favor or blessing.
This rhetorical device not only adds rhetorical flair to the expression but also contributes to the memorability and resonance of the statement. By presenting contrasting concepts in a balanced and parallel manner, antithetical parallelism effectively underscores the moral or spiritual lesson conveyed in the phrase. In this case, it reinforces the biblical wisdom that humility is met with divine favor, while pride is met with opposition, creating a succinct and impactful statement that resonates with the reader or listener.