1. Understanding the Difference
The Bible is inspired by God, but it contains many kinds of speech and writing. We read God’s instructions, the words of prophets, the teachings of Jesus, the statements of apostles, and the conversations of ordinary people.
Some people recorded in the Bible spoke truth, while others made mistakes, told lies, or expressed incomplete understanding. The Bible faithfully records these events, but that does not mean God approves of every statement recorded.
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
This verse teaches that Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching and correction. To understand a passage correctly, however, we must consider what the passage says, who is speaking, and why the words are recorded.
2. Does Every Statement in the Bible Express God’s Approval?
Consider the conversation between the serpent and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Genesis 3:4 (KJV)
And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
The serpent spoke these words to deceive Eve. The Bible records what he said, but the statement was not God’s truth. God had already warned Adam about the consequences of eating from the forbidden tree.
This example teaches us to distinguish between a statement that Scripture records and a statement that Scripture teaches us to believe.
Practical example:
If you read a passage in which someone lies, you should not copy the lie as though it were a command from God. Instead, examine the account to understand what happened and what the passage teaches in context.
3. Why Must We Consider Who Is Speaking?
Different speakers have different roles in the biblical account. God gives instructions, prophets deliver messages, Jesus teaches His disciples, and other people express their own thoughts and opinions.
Consider what God said about the friends of Job.
Job 42:7 (KJV)
And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.
Job’s friends spoke many words about God, but God declared that they had not spoken rightly about Him.
Their speeches are included in Scripture, yet God Himself corrected their understanding. Therefore, we must not assume that every statement made by a person in the Bible is a correct teaching about God.
Practical example:
When studying a speech in the Book of Job, ask yourself: Who is speaking? What does the speaker believe? Does the passage later confirm or correct that person’s understanding?
4. How Can We Recognize God’s Instructions?
The Bible includes direct instructions from God, teachings of Jesus, messages delivered through prophets, and instructions given by apostles to particular churches or people.
To understand an instruction properly, examine its wording and context.
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (KJV)
6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
Here, Moses communicates God’s commandments to Israel. The passage shows that God’s people were instructed to keep His words in their hearts and teach them diligently.
When studying a command, we should also examine its original audience, the covenant under which it was given, and how the wider biblical message relates to it. This helps us avoid applying every instruction without considering its setting.
5. How Should We Study Conversations and Narratives?
A narrative tells us what happened. It may describe good decisions, bad decisions, faithful actions, or sinful behaviour.
A conversation records what people said. The surrounding passage helps us understand whether their words were true, mistaken, deceptive, or incomplete.
When reading these passages, ask:
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Who is speaking?
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To whom are the words spoken?
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What is happening at that moment?
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Does the passage approve, challenge, or correct what was said?
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What lesson does the passage communicate in its wider context?
These questions help us avoid turning every recorded statement into a doctrine or command.
Practical example:
If you read about someone who disobeyed God, do not conclude that the Bible encourages disobedience. Examine the full account to see what happened and how the passage presents that person’s actions.
6. Why This Understanding Matters
If we fail to distinguish between God’s instructions and the words of people recorded in Scripture, we may misunderstand God’s character, build incorrect teachings, or apply passages in ways they were never intended.
Careful Bible study requires us to respect the whole passage rather than selecting isolated sentences to support our opinions.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Paul instructs Timothy to study diligently and handle the word of truth correctly. This reminds us to examine Scripture carefully rather than carelessly treating every sentence as though it had the same purpose or function.
Remember
The Bible is inspired by God, but not every statement recorded in it is a command from God or an expression of His approval. To understand Scripture correctly, identify the speaker, examine the context, and consider how the passage fits into the wider biblical message.