1. Introduction

When studying Scripture, we may encounter words or expressions that make us curious. It is good to ask questions, but we must distinguish between what the Bible actually teaches and what we imagine it might mean.

A passage may contain a clear message without every detail carrying a hidden spiritual meaning.

Our responsibility is to understand the message supported by Scripture rather than adding ideas that the text does not establish.

2. Scripture Reading

Proverbs 30:5–6 (KJV)

Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.

These verses warn against adding to God’s words.

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 emphasises the importance of handling the Word of truth accurately.

3. Understanding the Teaching

Consider these three distinctions when studying Scripture:

What the passage states: The meaning directly communicated by its words.

What we reasonably conclude: An inference supported by the passage and its context.

What we assume: An idea we introduce without sufficient evidence from Scripture.

These distinctions matter because an assumption can easily become a teaching when it is repeated confidently.

For example, a person might assign a special spiritual meaning to every number, colour, or object mentioned in a biblical account. Unless the passage or relevant biblical evidence supports that interpretation, it should not be presented as established biblical truth.

We must be honest about what we know and what the text does not tell us.

4. Practical Example

Imagine reading a historical account in which a person travels for three days.

A student concludes that the three days must represent three spiritual stages every believer must experience.

However, if the passage does not establish that meaning, the conclusion is an assumption rather than a demonstrated interpretation.

The student should first understand the event as the text presents it and avoid inventing a symbolic meaning.

5. Remember

Do not confuse the words of Scripture with your own assumptions. Explain what the text supports, distinguish conclusions from guesses, and never present an invented meaning as biblical truth.