Daily Devotional: April 23 – Literal or Not

The boar out of the woods uproots it, and the wild beast of the field devours it – Psalm 80:13

Should you take the bible literally? The right answer is that it depends on the context of what you are reading. In today’s verse, which speaks of boar and the wild beast, the context is about a nation that comes against Israel, who in the chapter is described as a vine. Hence, to read the passage literally is to completely misunderstand it. Be careful when someone tells you that they take the word of God literally without providing context. Such assertion does not foster understanding. And without understanding, people act foolishly and quote the bible with much religious passion and fervor without wisdom. It is good to have passion for the word of God, but the bible also admonishes us that in all our getting, we should get understanding. The bible also tells us that wisdom is the principal thing. So, don’t just read the bible, make sure you understand it.

I will read the word of God in its context to further my understanding

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