Avoiding Cherry-Picking Biblical Examples and Preconceived Notions
Avoiding cherry-picking biblical examples and preconceived notions is a crucial aspect of sound biblical interpretation, emphasized in various scriptural warnings against speculative or divisive teachings. The Apostle Paul, for instance, admonishes against paying attention to "myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith" (1 Timothy 1:4 NASB) [2]. The Douay-Rheims translation similarly warns against "fables and endless genealogies, which furnish questions rather than the edification of God which is in faith" (1 Timothy 1:4 DRC) [1]. These passages highlight the danger of focusing on matters that generate contention rather than spiritual growth.
The concept of avoiding strife and unnecessary disputes is a recurring theme. Torrey's Topical Textbook lists "curious questions" as a cause of strife, alongside pride, wrath, and a contentious disposition [4]. This suggests that engaging with scripture in a way that prioritizes debate over understanding can be detrimental. Similarly, the text warns against being "carried about with divers and strange doctrines" [6], which can distract from the unified and consistent truth of God's word. John Gill, commenting on Hebrews 13:9, notes that "divers" doctrines can refer to various rites, traditions, or human teachings, contrasting them with the singular, uniform doctrine of the Scriptures [6].
Preconceived notions can also lead to misinterpretations. For example, the prohibition against building an altar of hewn stone in Exodus 20:25 is interpreted by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown as a warning against "carved with figures and ornaments that might lead to superstition" [7]. This suggests that even seemingly minor details in religious practice can be corrupted by human additions or assumptions. The danger of taking offense is also noted, particularly when individuals stumble over Christ's teachings or his person due to their own expectations or biases [5].
The emphasis on avoiding such pitfalls underscores the importance of approaching scripture with humility and a desire for genuine understanding, rather than seeking to confirm existing biases or engage in unproductive arguments. This approach aligns with the broader biblical call to avoid "overmuch care" about earthly things and to cast anxieties on God, trusting in His providence [3].
Sources
- I Timothy “I Timothy 1:4 (DRC) — Not to give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which furnish questions rather than the edification of God which is in faith.”
- 1 Timothy “1 Timothy 1:4 (NASB) — nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Care, Overmuch — About earthly things, forbidden -- Mt 6:25; Lu 12:22,29; Joh 6:27. God's providential goodness should keep us from -- Mt 6:26,28,30; Lu 22:35. God's promises should keep us from -- Heb 13:5. Trust in God should free us from -- Jer 17:7,8; Da 3:16. Should be cast on God -- Ps 37:5; 55:22; Pr 16:3; 1Pe 5:7. An obstruction to the Gospel -- Mt 13:22; Lu 8:14; 14:18-20. Be without -- 1Co 7:32; Php 4:6. Unbecoming in saints -- 2Ti 2:4. Uselessness of -- Mt 6:27; Lu 12:25,26. Vanity of -- Ps 39:6; Ec 4:8. Warning against -- Lu 21:34. Sent as a punishment to”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Offence — Occasions of, must arrive -- Mt 18:7. Occasions of, forbidden -- 1Co 10:32; 2Co 6:3. Persecution, a cause of, to mere professors -- Mt 13:21; 24:10; 26:31. The wicked take, at The low station of Christ. -- Isa 53:1-3; Mt 13:54-57. Christ, as the corner-stone. -- Isa 8:14; Ro 9:33; 1Pe 2:8. Christ, as the bread of life. -- Joh 6:58-61. Christ crucified. -- 1Co 1:23; Ga 5:11. The righteousness of faith. -- Ro 9:32. The necessity of inward purity. -- Mt 15:11,12. Blessedness of not taking, at Christ -- Mt 11:6. Saints warned against taking -- Joh 16:1. Saints ”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 13:9: Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,.... The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the anal”
- Exodus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Exodus 20:25: thou shalt not build it of hewn stone, &c.--that is, carved with figures and ornaments that might lead to superstition.”