Do not go BEYOND the things which are written

[tonychanyt]

ASV, 1 Corinthians 4:

6 Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written; that no one of you be puffed up for the one against the other.

It is a lesson of humility. Do not puff yourself up with exaggerated ways of knowing. Stick to the words of God as closely as possible. Don't add to it. Don't be boastful. Stay within what is written. Do not put words into God's mouth.

Philippians 2:

3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves

Stay humble and objective. Don't go wild and over-interpret. Always willing to see from the other person's perspective. This will free you from the warning in Proverbs 18:

2 Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

People not trained in First-Order Logic tend to over-generalize and jump to conclusions. I was the same

See also

• Do not quarrel over disputable matters
• You may learn by us not to go beyond WHAT is written