Avoiding Cherry-Picking Biblical Examples in Exegesis and Hermeneutics
The Problem of Cherry-Picking in Biblical Interpretation
Cherry-picking biblical examples involves selectively using isolated passages to support a particular interpretation or doctrine while ignoring other relevant texts that might contradict or complicate that interpretation. This approach can lead to a skewed understanding of biblical teachings and is warned against in various biblical and interpretive sources.
The apostle Paul cautions against giving heed to "fables and endless genealogies, which furnish questions rather than the edification of God which is in faith" (1 Timothy 1:4) [1]. This warning is echoed in the context of avoiding "idle and foolish enquiries" that do not contribute to "God's glory nor the edification of the faithful" (Titus 3:9, as interpreted by Matthew Henry) [2]. Such cautionary advice underscores the importance of considering the broader context and purpose of biblical teachings.
In interpreting Scripture, it is crucial to avoid "profane and old wives' fables" (1 Timothy 4:7), which can include not just mythical stories but also the misuse or misinterpretation of biblical narratives [3]. Commentators like Adam Clarke have noted that this warning can be applied to the legends and fables found in non-biblical Jewish and Christian traditions. The danger of misinterpretation is not limited to fables but can also arise from an overly rigid or self-righteous approach to biblical righteousness, as cautioned against in Ecclesiastes 7:16, where being "righteous over much" is advised against [6, 7].
A balanced approach to biblical interpretation involves considering the entirety of Scripture and avoiding the selective use of passages to support preconceived notions. For instance, when dealing with themes of righteousness and judgment, commentators like Jamieson, Fausset & Brown emphasize the importance of not being overly self-righteous or litigious, referencing Proverbs 3:29 and Romans 3:4 [4, 5]. This balanced approach is essential for a nuanced understanding of biblical teachings.
The historical and cultural context of biblical passages also plays a significant role in avoiding cherry-picking. Understanding the original context in which a passage was written can prevent its misuse in a different context. For example, Ecclesiastes 7:10 advises against comparing past and present circumstances in a way that questions God's wisdom, highlighting the importance of trusting in divine providence [8].
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.”
- Titus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Titus 3:9: Here is the fifth and last thing in the matter of the epistle: what Titus should avoid in teaching; how he should deal with a heretic; with some other directions. Observe, I. That the apostle's meaning might be more clear and full, and especially fitted to the time and state of things in Crete, and the many judaizers among them, he tells Titus what, in teaching, he should shun, Tit 3:9. There are needful questions to be discussed and cleared, such as make for improvement in useful knowledge; but idle and foolish enquiries, tending neither to God's glory nor the edif”
- 1 Timothy (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Timothy 4:7: But refuse profane and old wives' fables - This seems to refer particularly to the Jews, whose Talmudical writings are stuffed with the most ridiculous and profane fables that ever disgraced the human intellect. It may with equal propriety be applied to the legends of the Romish Church. Let any man read the Aurea Legenda, and he will find of profane and old wives' fables what may stand, with considerable propriety, column for column with the Talmud. See Joseline's Life of St. Patrick for miracles, without rhyme or reason, abundantly more numerous and more stupendo”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 3:29: Do not abuse confidence and avoid litigation.”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 3:4: God forbid--literally, "Let it not be," that is, "Away with such a thought"--a favorite expression of our apostle, when he would not only repudiate a supposed consequence of his doctrine, but express his abhorrence of it. "The Scriptures do not authorize such a use of God's name as must have been common among the English translators of the Bible" [HODGE]. yea, let God be--held true, and every man a liar--that is, even though it should follow from this that every man is a liar. when thou art judged--so in Psa 51:4, according to the Septuagint; but ”
- Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 7:16: Be not righteous over much,.... This is not meant of true and real righteousness, even moral righteousness, a man cannot be too holy or too righteous; but of a show and ostentation of righteousness, and of such who would be thought to be more righteous and holy than others, and therefore despise those who, as they imagine, do not come up to them; and are very rigid and censorious in their judgment of others, and very severe in their reproofs of them; and, that they may appear very righteous persons, will do more than what the law requires of them to do, even wor”
- Ecclesiastes (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:20: Referring to Ecc 7:16. Be not "self-righteous," seek not to make thyself "just" before God by a superabundance of self-imposed performances; "for true 'wisdom,' or 'righteousness,' shows that there is not a just man," &c.”
- Ecclesiastes (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ecclesiastes 7:10: Do not call in question God's ways in making thy former days better than thy present, as Job did (Job 29:2-5). The very putting of the question argues that heavenly "wisdom" (Margin) is not as much as it ought made the chief good with thee.”