. . . Beware of being wise above that which is written…
““. . . Beware of being wise above that which is written. Beware of forming fanciful theories of your own, and then trying to make the Bible square with them. Beware of making selections from your Bible to suit your taste. Dare not to say, ‘I believe this verse, for I like it. I refuse that, for I cannot reconcile it with my views.’ Nay! but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? By what right do you talk in this way? Surely it were better to say, over every chapter in the word, ‘Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.’ Ah! if men would do this, they would never deny the unquenchable fire.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The passage warns against imposing personal ideas on Scripture, urging humility and submission to God's word rather than forcing it to fit our preferences.
In simple terms: Don’t twist the Bible to fit your views; listen to it instead.
Key Takeaway
Submit to Scripture, not your own theories.
Themes
humility
faith
scripture interpretation
pride
spiritual discipline
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
advice
spiritual guidance
When to use this quote
- personal study
- preaching
- teaching
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
theology
exegesis
authority
personal bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you ensure you hear God’s voice rather than your own?
- What habits help keep personal bias from shaping biblical understanding?