--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Therefore, we read the Bible selectively…" description: "\"“Therefore, we read the Bible selectively. We pick a text here and there to fit our felt needs. This is like a doctor who forgets how to write prescrip..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/john-piper-255_bible_therefore-we-read-the-bible-selectively_1273536.jpg" --- # Therefore, we read the Bible selectively. We pick a text… ![“Therefore, we read the Bible selectively. We pick a text here and there to fit our felt needs. This is like a doctor who forgets how to write prescriptions for the best antibiotics because every- body seems healthy, and he has spent the last decades tweaking good health with hip-hop exercise…” quote by John Piper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/john-piper-255_bible_therefore-we-read-the-bible-selectively_1273536.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/john-piper-255_bible_therefore-we-read-the-bible-selectively_1273536.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3c1/john-piper-255_bible_therefore-we-read-the-bible-selectively_1273536.jpg) > ““Therefore, we read the Bible selectively. We pick a text here and there to fit our felt needs. This is like a doctor who forgets how to write prescriptions for the best antibiotics because every- body seems healthy, and he has spent the last decades tweaking good health with hip-hop exercise videos, unaware that pestilence is at the door. It’s like the soldier who forgets how to use his weapons because the times seem peaceful, and he has spent the last decades doing relief work and teaching the children how to play games.”” [John Piper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-piper/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People often read scripture only where it confirms their pre‑existing beliefs, ignoring warnings that may be crucial. **In simple terms:** Selective reading of the Bible ignores warning signs. Key Takeaway Read the whole Bible, not just comforting parts. Themes faith interpretation spirituality Mood reflective serious Type theological exhortational When to use this quote - personal study - church teaching - spiritual counseling - public preaching Key Concepts confirmation bias selective perception danger of complacency Questions to Reflect On - Do you only read passages that feel comfortable? - How might ignored warnings affect your life? A Different Perspective Selective reading can reinforce false security and neglect needed vigilance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Bible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/bible/) [Fitness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fitness/) [Good health](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/good-health/) [Health](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/health/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) ## Related quotes > [To write prescriptions is easy, but to come to an understanding with people is hard.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/franz-kafka/to-write-prescriptions-is-easy-but-to-come-to-an-understanding-with/) [Franz Kafka](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franz-kafka/) > [Speak up when you're supposed to, as opposed to trying to write prescriptions for the way people should live.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/don-cheadle/speak-up-when-you-re-supposed-to-as-opposed-to-trying-to-write/) [Don Cheadle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/don-cheadle/) > [Really, the only thing a psychiatrist can do that a good (fishing) guide can't is write prescriptions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-gierach/really-the-only-thing-a-psychiatrist-can-do-that-a-good-fishing-guide/) [John Gierach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-gierach/) > [“Incidentally, it’s easy to write prescriptions, but difficult to come to an understanding with people.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/franz-kafka/incidentally-it-s-easy-to-write-prescriptions-but-difficult-to-come/) [Franz Kafka](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franz-kafka/) > [Where I come from you're not raised to think on your own. 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