It can be hilarious listening to how some people interpret the scriptures. I remember that I once engaged someone who justified his indulgence in alcohol. His ground was the advice of Paul to Timothy – “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.” I Timothy 5:23 NKJV. I was quick to remind him that what Paul prescribed was a medication for the young Bishop’s frequent infirmities. I further argued that to qualify for the wine, he must be ready to sign up for the frequent infirmities. He recoiled at the sound of that.
Those with insincere hearts can distort any passage to justify their wrongdoing. It takes a studious attitude plus a sincere heart to understand the mind of God from scriptures.
On another occasion, I read about a man who married his 48th wife! If you think that was absurd in this age, wait until you find out his reason. He claimed that he got his inspiration from the Bible! He explained that to marry many wives is ordained by God, and his model was King Solomon. He did not read his Bible enough to read how those women turned his heart away from God. The root problem in all these cases is a flawed interpretation of the Bible. Those with insincere hearts can distort any passage to justify their wrongdoing. It takes a studious attitude plus a sincere heart to understand the mind of God from scriptures. This was what Paul introduced to Timothy and us too. Those who will make the most of the Scriptures must rely on the Spirit of God for guidance.
