Description Doesn’t Mean Prescription: Reading Bible Stories with Discernment

When we open our Bibles, we encounter incredible stories of men and women who walked with God, stumbled in sin, and lived out their faith in very human ways. But as we read these narratives, we must remember an important truth: description is not prescription. Just because the Bible describes what someone did does not mean God prescribes it for us.

Learning from Solomon’s Example

Take Solomon, for example. Scripture tells us that Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3). This is a description of his actions. It is not a command for us to follow. In fact, the text clearly shows that his choices led his heart away from God. Solomon’s disobedience brought consequences for him and for Israel. God gave us this account, not as a pattern to imitate, but as a warning to avoid.

The Difference Between What Happened and What God Commands

Throughout the Old Testament, we see stories of polygamy, deceit, murder, and revenge. Abraham lied about his wife. David committed adultery and murder. Samson lived recklessly. These accounts are recorded honestly in Scripture, but they are not blueprints for how we should live. Instead, they serve as reminders of human weakness and God’s faithfulness.

The prescriptive parts of Scripture are found in God’s commands, covenants, and teachings. For instance, Jesus in the New Testament reaffirms God’s design for marriage: one man and one woman (Matthew 19:4–6). That is prescription. God prescribes holiness, love, repentance, and obedience to His Word.

Why This Matters

If we confuse description with prescription, we risk justifying sin. Some might argue, “Well, Solomon had many wives, so it must be okay.” But that ignores the clear teaching of Scripture. God is not endorsing Solomon’s actions. He is exposing the dangers of compromise.

The Bible gives us both examples to follow and warnings to heed. Hebrews 11 points us to faithful men and women whose trust in God is worthy of imitation. At the same time, passages like 1 Corinthians 10:6 remind us that the failures of Israel were written down “as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved.”

Reading the Bible Rightly

So how do we apply this principle?

When you read a story, ask: Is this just describing what happened, or is God prescribing a way to live?

Look at the whole counsel of Scripture. God’s commands never contradict His character.

Remember that all Scripture points us to Christ, who is the fulfillment of God’s law and the perfect example for our lives (Hebrews 12:2).

Conclusion

The Bible is raw and honest. It shows the beauty of faith and the ugliness of sin. But it is not a book of excuses. Description is not prescription. We must read the stories carefully, learning from both the victories and the failures, always asking, “What does this teach me about God, His will, and my need for Christ?”

When we do that, we won’t use the Bible to justify sin. We will use it to grow in holiness and to draw nearer to the Savior who redeems sinners and calls us to live in obedience to His Word.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Passtor Jody