Here are the last two of eight principles of biblical interpretation.
7. Interpretation v. Application. There is only one correct interpretation of a passage (what the passage means), but there may be many different applications (how it directs one’s life). As long as the interpretation is correct, and as long as the applications I might derive from the interpretation do not alter the interpretation, there may be a number of legitimate applications.
For example: Proverbs 11:1 is about weights and measures in business. That is the interpretation. However, there are other applications to the truth of God’s disdain for dishonesty and imbalance. So while the passage is about honest weights and measures, there is an application to be honest in all things.
8. Do not formulate doctrine on narratives alone. The Word of God accurately records what is written in it, but God does not sanction or endorse all the events that are recorded. For this reason, only when what is recorded in a narrative (story) passage is also found in a didactic (teaching) passage, should we formulate any doctrine or conclusion about how we are to live.
For example: Genesis 12 and 20 record Abraham lying about his relationship with Sarah (calling her his sister instead of his wife). Genesis 26 records Isaac doing the same thing. I must not conclude, therefore, that lying is okay based on these accurate narratives of the Patriarchs’ sins. In didactic portions like Revelation 21:8, we read that liars will be cast into the lake of fire.
These are the last two of eight principles of biblical interpretation. They are not an exhaustive list of all principles of biblical interpretation. Remember that while the Holy Spirit illuminates the redeemed to be able to understand the Bible (1 Corinthians 2:14), that does not mean every believer will accurately interpret the Bible correctly every time. We are responsible to interpret the Bible accurately (1 Timothy 2:15). I pray that these eight principles of biblical interpretation will help us do just that.