For us to err, with the Bible in our hands, is the effect of pride, sloth, and carelessness

For us to err, with the Bible in our hands, is the effect of pride, sloth, and carelessness

Matthew Henry was a renowned theologian and commentator on the Bible, known for his insightful and profound interpretations of scripture. In his writings, he often emphasized the importance of humility, diligence, and attentiveness in studying and understanding the Word of God. One of his famous quotes is, “For us to err, with the Bible in our hands, is the effect of pride, sloth, and carelessness.”

Henry believed that having access to the Bible, which is the ultimate source of divine wisdom and truth, should humble us and inspire us to approach it with reverence and diligence. However, he also recognized that human nature is prone to pride, laziness, and negligence, which can lead us to misinterpret or misapply the teachings of scripture.

Pride is a dangerous obstacle to true understanding of the Bible, as it can blind us to our own limitations and distort our interpretation of God’s word. When we approach the Bible with a sense of self-importance or arrogance, we are more likely to impose our own preconceived notions and biases onto the text, rather than allowing it to speak to us with its own authority and wisdom.

Sloth, or laziness, is another hindrance to a proper understanding of the Bible. Henry believed that studying scripture requires effort, discipline, and perseverance. It is not enough to simply skim through the pages or rely on superficial readings. We must be willing to invest time and energy in delving deeply into the text, seeking to uncover its deeper meanings and implications.

Carelessness is also a common pitfall in biblical interpretation. When we approach the Bible casually or haphazardly, we are more likely to overlook important details, misinterpret key passages, or miss the broader context of the text. Henry emphasized the importance of careful and attentive study, urging his readers to approach the Bible with a spirit of reverence and diligence.