Scripture is revered in the eyes of many as it should be, but sometimes people tend to think that using, ‘Scripture’ is always appropriate. If Scripture is spoken at the wrong time, in the wrong manner or out of context then quoting or using Scripture could cause more harm than good. There are times when quoting the Bible is absolutely needed and essential, but this article is about when it isn’t the right time. Before one thinks that this is blasphemy please continue to the end of the article for the full explanation.

Below are three Scripture references about the use and misuse of Scripture:

…’ You search and keep on searching and examining the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and yet it is those [very Scriptures] that testify about Me; and still you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life.’… John 5: 39 Amplified Translation

It is recorded in the Gospel of John that Yashua tells the religious people of the day that they searched the Scriptures thinking that in them (the Scriptures) they would have eternal life but that without His Presence those words alone are not enough. He then went on to say that it is as people come to Him that they will have eternal life because those very Scriptures testify about Him. The Pharisees and Sadducees often took God’s Word and used it to try to keep the people in line, but they did not operate in the Love of God, or by His Spirit: They also attached their ‘manmade’ traditions to God’s Word and attempted to control people under the guise of ‘speaking for God’ thereby misusing Scripture. Yashua emphasized that merely using Scripture without His Spirit misses the point of why the Scriptures have been written. 

…’ Then the devil took Him into the holy city [Jerusalem] and placed Him on the pinnacle (highest point) of the temple. And he said [mockingly] to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command His angels concerning You [to serve, care for, protect and watch over You]’; and ‘They will lift you up on their hands, so that You will not strike Your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written and forever remains written, ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’” Matthew 4: 5-7 Amplified Translation

The devil quoted Scripture to Yashua, thereby proving that Scriptures can be taken out of context, used inappropriately, or used in the wrong way. If the devil himself can misappropriate Scripture and even quote passages from God’s Word to the Lord Himself, then people can also misuse God’s Word. If a person quotes Scripture it doesn’t mean that they are doing so led by the Spirit of God or with the right intent or understanding.

…’ A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, and how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!’… Proverbs 15: 23 Amplified Translation

Speaking the truth in love includes knowing when it is time to speak a certain word. The right words delivered at the wrong time can be the wrong words altogether. If one desires to speak in love it means that the person will know when the timing is right because they will be speaking by the Spirit Who knows when the timing to speak is perfect. Some people are not as concerned as to how and when to say something as they are about giving truth even if this causes wounding.  

People may not intend to wound or hurt another by using Scripture, but at times they can be overzealous and unknowingly cause deep pain to someone’s heart. The Word of God can be misused, misinterpreted and misrepresented when spoken or used apart from the Spirit of God.  

The Scriptures can be used as a weapon knowingly or unknowingly. Throughout history, people have used Bible verses and Scriptures in a way that harmed people and which caused them to walk away from God instead of towards Him. The religious people were warned by the Lord that they were turning people away from God’s kingdom instead of drawing them towards it.

…“ The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].’… Proverbs 4: 7 Amplified Translation

The writer of Proverbs encouraged the reader to get ‘understanding’. People who have been walking with God for years can speak God’s Word in the wrong way, at the wrong time if they are not acknowledging God in all of their ways and if they do not have an understanding concerning a situation. One needs to first acknowledge the Holy Spirit about every circumstance before ‘speaking into’ it. 

It is written in the Scriptures about the need to communicate with God without ceasing. This practice refers to having an ongoing, daily relationship with God and asking Him to reveal His view about all things even before speaking to others. God sees things that we may not have seen and knows things about a person that we may not know. We need to ask Him about what someone needs to hear before simply laying out Scripture verses to people. 

There are many reasons that one could use the Scriptures in the wrong way. Some of these reasons include:

• someone has not lived through an experience that they are trying to help another person overcome and in their attempt to ‘help them’ they quote various scriptures which cause immense wounding
• someone is very zealous about the Scriptures and without realizing it they almost try to force another person to believe something that they think will help
• someone believes that they know what a person needs to hear and they quote scripture to address what they think the issue is when they do not understand the depth of wounding that someone has experienced – they believe that the one verse will solve all of the person’s problems and should heal all of their years of wounding
• someone is very judgemental and therefore when they quote Scripture it is done from a position of a judge instead of ‘in love’
• someone is deceived about Scriptures and then they try to ‘teach’ another person these, ‘truths’ whereas they are conveying their ‘false interpretation’ of these verses
• someone is trying to control another person using Scripture and therefore causes them to associate Scripture with dominance rather than love
• someone quotes a Scripture that they think another person needs to hear, but they were not led by the Holy Spirit to speak those words at that time and it causes further wounding
• someone quotes Scriptures with wrong motives such as to prove a point, trying to force someone to change their mind, or trying to ‘make someone’ see the truth in their own strength
• someone is trying to make someone feel guilty by quoting Scripture
• someone does not know that another person has been abused with the misuse of Scripture and then they quote those same Scriptures without the leading of the Holy Spirit

The Word of God is essential to mankind, but the misuse of God’s Word can turn people away from the One they need the most. The Scriptures testify about Yashua (Who is the Word of God) and therefore when and how His Words are used, should be led by His Spirit.