Proof-Texting vs. Heart-Texting: Why Your Motive Matters When Reading Scripture
Proof-Texting vs. Heart-Texting: Why Your Motive Matters When Reading Scripture
Want to make a biblical case for polygamy? You absolutely could. Find some good biblical characters who were polygamists and God never corrected them for it. Quote a few verses, build your argument, and voilà—you've got scriptural "proof."
But would that make it true? Would that reflect God's heart?
This is the danger of proof-texting—using Scripture to prove whatever point we want to make rather than seeking to understand God's actual heart on a matter.
When Scripture Reveals Our Heart
The Bible is written in such a way that it will reveal our heart. If you're determined to prove a point, you can probably find verses to support almost any position. But Scripture isn't meant to be a weapon for winning debates—it's meant to draw us closer to the heart of God.
Take that polygamy example. Yes, you could make a case using certain passages. But if you're genuinely seeking God's heart, you'll look at the creation account—before the fall—and see God's original intention: one man, one woman. You'll see Jesus in Mark 10 referring back to that design, saying "from the beginning it was not so."
The difference isn't in the verses available—it's in the posture of your heart when you approach them.
The Pharisee Problem
Jesus constantly dealt with this issue. The religious leaders of His day lived in the Scriptures. They could quote chapter and verse, debate theological fine points, and maintain impressive religious credentials.
But Jesus called them out: "You search the Scriptures because you think in them you have eternal life. But they speak of Me, and you are unwilling to come to Me that you may have life" (John 5:39-40).
They were using Scripture to avoid relationship with the living God.
In Matthew 23, Jesus told these Scripture experts they had "neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy." They were tithing mint and dill but missing the point entirely.
The Letter Kills, But the Spirit Gives Life
We can get so focused on the letter of the law that we miss the spirit of the law. We can become so concerned with being technically correct that we lose sight of God's heart behind His words.
This is why we need Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. Truth isn't found in intellectual facts alone—it's found in the person of Jesus Christ. It's found in relationship with the living God who spoke these words in the first place.
Coming with Humility
When we approach Scripture, we need to ask different questions:
What is God's heart on this matter?
What is He really trying to communicate?
How does this fit with Jesus' example and character?
What's the spirit behind the letter?
Instead of asking, "How can I use this to prove my point?" we should ask, "What is God trying to show me about Himself?"
The Context of Love
Remember, Scripture was written within specific cultural contexts, addressing specific situations, but always pointing toward God's unchanging character of love. When we read passages about relationships, submission, authority, or any other topic, we must filter them through the lens of God's self-giving love demonstrated in Christ.
If our interpretation of any passage makes God look less loving, less just, or less good than Jesus revealed Him to be, we need to dig deeper. Jesus is perfect theology. If something doesn't align with His character and example, we're missing something.
The Heart Behind the Word
God didn't give us Scripture as a legal document to argue over. He gave it to us as a love letter that reveals His heart and draws us into relationship with Him. Every page points toward Jesus, and every verse is meant to help us know Him better.
When we approach the Bible with hearts that genuinely want to know God—not just win arguments—Holy Spirit will lead us into truth. We'll find ourselves transformed by the Word rather than just armed with verses.
A Different Way to Read
What if we approached Scripture less like lawyers looking for evidence and more like lovers seeking to understand the heart of our Beloved? What if we read with the humility to say, "Lord, show me what You're really saying here"?
The Bible is God's Word to us, precious and holy. But it's meant to connect us to the Author, not replace Him. It's meant to reveal His heart, not just provide ammunition for theological battles.
When we come to Scripture with humble hearts seeking relationship rather than ammunition, we discover something beautiful: God's Word becomes a bridge to His voice, not a barrier to it.
This approach to Scripture—seeking God's heart rather than just proving points—is something we explore throughout my course "Honoring God's Voice."
Blessings,
Susan Dewbrew