2 Timothy 3:16 gives us a foundational truth about the Bible:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (NKJV)
This verse emphasizes that Scripture is divinely inspired, but to fully understand its depth, we need to recognize something important: while the Bible is God-breathed, it contains words from various sources. Yes, God has spoken through His prophets, His Son, and by His Spirit. But the Bible also records words spoken by human beings in their weakness, by the enemy in his deceit, and by those who do not walk with God. This distinction is vital when it comes to reading and applying Scripture in our lives.
Understanding the Inspiration of Scripture
When Paul writes that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God,” he is pointing to the divine guidance over the entire body of Scripture. This doesn’t mean that every single sentence is a direct quote from God. Instead, it means that everything recorded in the Bible serves a purpose within God’s sovereign plan. Some scriptures are God’s words of life and promise. Others reveal the flaws and errors of people, or even the lies of Satan, so that we might learn, discern, and grow in wisdom.
For example, in the book of Job, Job’s friends tried to explain his suffering from their limited human understanding. Yet, in Job 42:7, God clearly rebukes them, saying they had not spoken rightly about Him. Their words were preserved in Scripture—not because they were correct, but so we could learn from their error.
Similarly, in Genesis 3, the deceptive words of Satan are recorded when he tempts Eve in the Garden. His words are not included as truth but as a clear warning of how the enemy works to twist God’s commands.
Even in the Psalms, we find moments of deep human emotion—sorrow, anger, despair. These passages reflect the struggles of the faithful, showing us that God can handle our rawest emotions and that His faithfulness stands firm despite human frailty.
The Role of Discernment
This brings us to a crucial principle: our role is to discern God’s voice within Scripture. Paul urges us in 2 Timothy 2:15 to “rightly divide the word of truth.” That means we are called to study diligently, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to understand what God is saying, and how each part of Scripture fits within His larger story.
The Holy Spirit, as Jesus promised in John 16:13, leads us into all truth. We rely on His guidance to distinguish between the divine words that give life and the human or demonic words that reveal the need for God’s redemption and grace.
Why This Matters
It’s important to approach the Bible with this understanding because it protects us from misinterpretation. If we assume every single sentence in the Bible reflects God’s direct voice, we risk applying things out of context or misunderstanding God’s nature. But when we read with discernment, we see that everything recorded is there for our benefit—whether as direct instruction, warning, or insight into the human condition.
The entire tapestry of Scripture, in all its complexity, points us back to God’s redemptive plan. His words bring life, wisdom, and transformation. The flawed words of humans reveal the consequences of living apart from God’s truth. The schemes of the enemy show us why we need to stay grounded in God’s Word and Spirit.
The Prayer of Discernment
Let’s pray this prayer with a heart ready to receive and discern:
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your inspired Word. I read the Bible with discernment, guided by Your Holy Spirit. I recognize Your voice amid the voices of men and the enemy. I grow in wisdom and understanding, applying Your truth to my life in accordance to Your perfect will and purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
A Golden Nugget to Hold
Our responsibility as believers is to discern God’s voice in Scripture, rightly dividing the word of truth. We rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth.
Further Study:
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Hebrews 4:12
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John 16:13
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This is the beauty of God’s Word: though it contains many voices, His voice is always clear to those who seek Him. Let’s approach the Bible with humble hearts and discerning spirits, confident that God will reveal His truth as we read and apply His Word.
