Proof Texting

I learned a new phrase yesterday, 'proof texting'. The concept isn't a new one, it's been around forever. 'Proof texting' is when a preacher wanting to prove his point searches scripture and finds one that he can use. Often he selects a verse regardless of the context, topic, or issue the author originally intended. I always called this 'scripture twisting'.

The danger in 'proof texting' of course is that rather than presenting the Word in the manner God intended, it becomes polluted. Rather than 'rightly dividing the word', people take the scripture and mold it to their purposes.

Because the Bible is God's Word, you need to approach the study of it seriously and prayerfully. You need to ask for and rely on the Holy Spirit's help and guidence. When you study the Bible you have to consider several things:

1. When was the passage written?
2. Who was it written to?
3. Where was it written?
4. How has it been historically understood?
5. Why was it written?
   
   

When was the passage written? This is important because you need to understand the historical context to comprehend what God was speaking to his people at that time.

For example; in Jeremiah 25 the captives of Judah in Babylon are told that their captivity will last seventy years.

Who was it written to? Is this a specific word to a specific people at a specific time? Or is it a timeless truth that applies to all of God's people throughout the ages?

For example: in Exodus 25, Moses gets instructions from God about building a tabernacle. Obviously were not being instructed to do that today. This is a specific word for a specific time. In John 3:16, Jesus says (ESV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life..” This is a timeless truth.

Where was it written? Was the author writing in Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek? What concept did they intend to convey? How did their native culture & language influence what they wrote?

For example, I once confused an Indonesian friend of mine by telling him; “I'm just pulling your leg”. He looked at me from across the room, bewildered, and said “You not pull my leg.” I then explained to him that it was a euphemism meaning that what I had said was not factual, but meant as a joke. This is why even though you may have a 'Strongest of the Strongs' concordance at your fingertips, you may not necessarily comprehend what was intended by the writer.

How has it been historically understood? Often modern preachers and authors in seeking to discover 'new revelation' have seriously erred by ignoring what the word itself says as well as what the Church has historically believed and taught.

For example: Consider Job, in Job 1:1 he's described as 'blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.' James 5:11 referred to him as blessed and steadfast and uses his story as an example of God's mercy. Down through the ages this story has been used to encourage people who were going through tough times to persevere and keep their faith and hope fixed on God for the final victory.

But to some today, Job is a fool. An 'unbelieving' believer who needlessly suffered calamity just because he wouldn't watch his mouth and trust in God. They take Job 3:25, ' For the thing that I fear comes upon me, and what I dread befalls me'. out of context. Ignoring what God Himself had to say to and about Job in the last five chapters of the book. Ignoring that God never once blames Job for his supposed 'negative confession'. Instead these scripture twisters join the chorus of Jobs false-friends who falsely assigned sin and blame to Job. God rebuked them then, as well as the scripture twisters of today. Their god is too small. Seeking to establish control over their lives by manipulating what happens in their lives with their words, they replace the sovereignty of God Almighty for the sovereignty of self.

Why was it written? What divine purpose did God intend? What truth is God seeking to convey? What is the theme of the book?

For example: 3 John 1:2 has been used to teach people that God wants them to be both healthy and wealthy. KJV: 'Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth'.

But when you read in a modern translation like the ESV: 'Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.' It becomes plain that the writer in his greeting to the recipient was simply expressing his best wishes. In context it becomes evident that the letter was written as apostolic instructions concerning the treatment of visiting believers.

In conclusion, as believers we need to hold ourselves and our preachers accountable for how the Word of God is used. Be very wary of anyone claiming 'new revelation', especially if it is a single verse being used out of context. Take the time and trouble to emulate the example of the Bereans in Acts 17 who listened to the teaching of Paul and then checked to make sure that what he was preaching was actually in the Word.