Don't add to God's Word

"And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden;  3but of the fruit of the tree which isin the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”      Genesis 3:2-3   NKJV

Time and time again, we find people misquoting the bible. They add words to a verse or they leave them out. It's almost like they want to make scripture fit into what they believe. It can be done absent-mindedly, especially when under pressure to explain a difficult verse. 

In today's scripture, we see Eve doing this. She adds 'nor shall you touch it, lest you die,' v3

God didn't say that, Eve added it and, the serpent used this to add more pressure. Down through the years, criticism of Eve's added words have caused quite a storm in places and Eve has been accused of sin by quoting these words. However, their criticism is unjustified because if they touched the tree without eating of it they would not have disobeyed God's directive and thus, would not be guilty of any sin. The sin was committed when Eve plucked and ate the fruit along with her husband, Adam, who incidentally should have silenced this conversation from the start instead of allowing it to reach this stage.

When we're in conversation with an unbeliever, who presents us with a very difficult question, it can be easy to add to what we read in the scriptures in order to counteract their challenge. But, God doesn't need any help at all. He is totally capable of handling whatever is thrown at Him. So, don't even consider changing a few words just to fit into your argument.

The same is true when preaching or running a home group. We may not know the reason that something was done or said. Saying something like, 'I suppose Jesus meant this.' Don't suppose anything; supposing things is wrong. If you don't know the answer, don't be afraid to say so. When I was a very young Christian, I spoke in a bible study and commented on Jesus kneeling on the ground supposedly writing something (John 8:6-8) I foolishly suggested that perhaps He didn't know what to say, so He was silently praying to His Father for the answer. 

Of course He knew what to say, He is never short of the answer.That was my early days of knowing Jesus and I'm happy to declare that I have learnt not to make foolish statement such 

as this ever again.

When you think of it, there is never any reason to add to Jesus' words. The Father has catered for everything and there is no need to ever add to them.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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