Compare Scripture With Scripture to Maintain Biblical Balance.

Any interpretation must be compared with the whole of the Bible to maintain the integrity of the message. For example, there are Scriptures that state that God hates the sinners. But if you do not temper such verses with those that say God is not willing that any perish because He loves all men, you will have a perverted doctrine. This is obvious when you realize there are groups that overemphasize the sovereignty of God to the neglect of human responsibility. And there are those who do the very opposite.

Another benefit of comparing scripture with scripture is that the Bible is its own commentary. Colossians 3:16 is a commentary on Ephesians 5:18. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:18 commands, “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.” As you view the context of both of these passages you discover that the two texts are dealing with the same thing.

Be Careful Establishing a Doctrine On a Single Verse.

I don’t say this because one statement from God about a subject is not sufficient, but because it is too easy to misunderstand having been said once. When there is more than one statement about a particular subject there is more information available to understand. Several contexts are simply better than one.