Rule for Interpreting Scripture

[djconklin]

This "rules" were worked up back in the 1840's by a guy named William Miller and I'd like to know what you think of them:

"IN studying the Bible, I have found the following rules to be of great service to myself, and now give them to the public by special request. Every rule should be well studied, in connexion with the scripture references, if the Bible student would be at all benefited by them.
RULE I.
Every word must have its proper bearing on the subject presented in the Bible.
PROOF
Matt.v.18.
RULE II.
All scripture is necessary, and may be understood by a diligent application and study.
PROOF
2Tim.iii.15,16,17.
RULE III.
Nothing revealed in the scripture can or will be hid from those who ask in faith, not wavering.
PROOF
Deut.xxix.29. Matt.x.26,27. 1Cor.ii.10. Phil.iii.15. Isa.xiv.11. Matt.xxi.22. John xiv.13,14. xv.7. James i.5,6. 1John v.13,14,15.
RULE IV.
To understand doctrine, bring all the scriptures together on the subject you wish to know; then let every word have its proper influence, and if you can form your theory without a contradiction, you cannot be in an error.
PROOF
Isa.xxviii.7-29. xxxv.8. Prov.xix.27. Luke xxiv.27,44,45. Rom.xvi.26. James v.19. 2Pet.i.19,29.
RULE V.
Scripture must be its own expositor, since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound it to me, and he should guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his sectarian creed, or to be
PROOFS
Ps.xix.7,8,9,10,11. cxix.97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105. Matt.xxiii.8,9,10. 1Cor.ii.12,13,14,15,16. Eze.xxxiv.18,19. Luke xi.52. Mal.ii.7,8.
thought wise, then his guessing, desire, creed or wisdom is my rule, not the Bible.
RULE VI.
God has revealed things to come, by visions, in figures and parables, and in this way the same things are oftentime revealed again and again, by different visions, or in different figures, and parables. If you wish to understand them, you must combine them all in one.
PROOFS
Ps.lxxxix.19. Hos.xii.10. Hab.ii.2. Acts ii.17. 1Cor.x.6. Heb.ix.9,24. Ps.lxxviii.2. Matt.xiii.13,34. Gen.xli.1-32. Dan.ii. vii. and viii. Acts x.9-16.
RULE VII.
Visions are always mentioned as such.
PROOFS
2Cor.xii.1.
RULE VIII.
Figures always have a figurative meaning, and are used much in prophecy, to represent future things, times and events; such as mountains, meaning governments; beasts, meaning kingdoms.
Waters, meaning people.
Lamp, meaning Word of God.
Day, meaning year.
PROOFS
Dan.ii.35,44. vii.8,17. Rev.xvii.1,15. Ps.cxix.105. Ezek.iv.6.
RULE IX.
Parables are used as comparisons to illustrate subjects, and must be explained in the same way as figures by the subject and Bible. Mark iv.13. See explanation of the ten virgins, Miller's Lectures, No.xvi.
RULE X.
Figures sometimes have two or more different significations, as day is used in a figurative sense to represent three different periods of time.
PROOFS
Ecc.vii.14.
1. Indefinite.
2. Definite, a day for a year.
3. Day for a thousand years.
If you put on the right construction it will harmonize with the Bible and make good sense, otherwise it will not.
PROOFS
Ezek.iv.6. 2Pet.iii.8.
RULE XI.
How to know when a word is used figuratively. If it makes good sense as it stands, and does no violence to the simple laws of nature, then it must be understood literally, if not, figuratively.
PROOFS
Rev.xii.1,2. xvii.3-7.
RULE XII.
To learn the true meaning of figures, trace your figurative word through your Bible, and where you find it explained, put it on your figure, and if it makes good sense you need look no further, if not, look again.
RULE XIII.
To know whether we have the true historical event for the fulfilment of a prophecy. If you find every word of the prophecy (after the figures are understood) is literally fulfilled, then you may know that your history is the true event. But if one word lacks a fulfilment, then you must look for another event, or wait its future development. For God takes care that history and prophecy doth agree, so that the true believing children of God may never be ashamed.
PROOFS
Ps.xxii.5. Isa.xlv.17,18,19. 1Pet.ii.6. Rev.xvii.17. Acts iii.18.
RULE XIV.
The most important rule of all is, that you must have faith. It must be a faith that requires a sacrifice, and, if tried, would give up the dearest object on earth, the world and all its desires, character, living, occupation, friends, home, comforts, and worldly honors. If any of these should hinder our believing any part of God's word, it would show our faith to be vain. Nor can we ever believe so long as one of these motives lies lurking in our hearts. We must believe that God will never forfeit his word. And we can have confidence that he that takes notice of the sparrow, and numbers the hairs of our head, will guard the translation of his own word, and throw a barrier around it, and prevent those who sincerely trust in God, and put implicit confidence in his word, from erring far from the truth, though they may not understand Hebrew or Greek."

 

[ContentInHim]

At first pass, looks good to me. Rule III has been especially valuable to me as I have read through the Bible.

 

[TrevorL]

Greetings djconklin,

I was interested in these rules and like the overall scope and detail. It is interesting to reflect on the influence of William Miller in the 1840s that many accepted his view of the second Coming in 1843, then 1844, but were disappointed when these dates passed. Evidently William Miller admitted he was wrong in his predictions, although the SDA have reinterpreted this date into their theology. Perhaps part of William Miller's confidence (or over confidence) may be seen in the following two rules:

RULE III.

Nothing revealed in the scripture can or will be hid from those who ask in faith, not wavering.
PROOF
Deut.xxix.29. Matt.x.26,27. 1Cor.ii.10. Phil.iii.15. Isa.xiv.11. Matt.xxi.22. John xiv.13,14. xv.7. James i.5,6. 1John v.13,14,15.
RULE IV.
To understand doctrine, bring all the scriptures together on the subject you wish to know; then let every word have its proper influence, and if you can form your theory without a contradiction, you cannot be in an error.
PROOF
Isa.xxviii.7-29. xxxv.8. Prov.xix.27. Luke xxiv.27,44,45. Rom.xvi.26. James v.19. 2Pet.i.19,29.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[njcl]

there are no rules,only that you need THE HOLY SPIRIT as your guide lest you search in vain,to understand the BIBLE on your own is like trying to break into the tower of london to steal the crown jewels - immposible

 

[djconklin]

there are no rules,only that you need THE HOLY SPIRIT as your guide lest you search in vain,to understand the BIBLE on your own is like trying to break into the tower of london to steal the crown jewels - immposible

That's why we have several thousand denominations.

 

[djconklin]

I was interested in these rules and like the overall scope and detail. It is interesting to reflect on the influence of William Miller in the 1840s that many accepted his view of the second Coming in 1843, then 1844, but were disappointed when these dates passed. Evidently William Miller admitted he was wrong in his predictions, although the SDA have reinterpreted this date into their theology. Perhaps part of William Miller's confidence (or over confidence) may be seen in the following two rules:

1) I'm not all that interested in the background, etc.. I'm looking for good solid rules that will help us to understand the Bible more fully and completely.
2) I would suggest that if one understands the bible correctly on some point -- having followed good rules -- then one will be able to speak confidently.

Philippians 1:14
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

I doubt that they could have done that if they had not studied the Bible (what we call the OT today) carefully and as thoroughly as they could.

 

[TrevorL]

Greetings again djconklin,

1) I'm not all that interested in the background, etc.. I'm looking for good solid rules that will help us to understand the Bible more fully and completely.
2) I would suggest that if one understands the bible correctly on some point -- having followed good rules -- then one will be able to speak confidently.

Philippians 1:14
And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

I doubt that they could have done that if they had not studied the Bible (what we call the OT today) carefully and as thoroughly as they could.

There have been many sincere attempts to find the true meaning of the Bible, but on many parts of Scripture there are a range of opinions, even when these people have common aims and rules and background. One scripture that I think is relevant is:

Matthew 11:25-30 (KJV)
25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes .
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight .
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him .
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest .
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls .
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light .
It is important that we approach the word in humility, and recognise that Jesus is the one who will reveal the true way of life.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[djconklin]

There have been many sincere attempts to find the true meaning of the Bible, but on many parts of Scripture there are a range of opinions, even when these people have common aims and rules and background.

That's interesting. I would suggest that while the people may have said they had common aims and rules, in fact they did not. For instance, let's say you somehow find yourself as 2nd in command in the calvary on horseback in Montana in 1876 (with no memory) and you come upon some fairly recent campsites. It is obvious that some Indians were were and as usual they pick up and move around when the horses have nibbled the grass down. But, the scouts are telling you that "No, these campsites were all here at one time." Is that an "opinion"? Or, is this yet another case where "they" are simply paying closer attention to the evidence? So, do you go with what they say, or do you follow General Custer?

I would suggest that where you have a difference of "opinion" it is because the respective parties are not using the same rules (maybe similar, but that's not good enough) and possibly as well neither or just one is not following the guidance of the HS. I find it very difficult to believe that two people who are being led by the HS could come up with differing "opinions."

 

[TrevorL]

Greetings again djconklin,

I would suggest that where you have a difference of "opinion" it is because the respective parties are not using the same rules (maybe similar, but that's not good enough) and possibly as well neither or just one is not following the guidance of the HS. I find it very difficult to believe that two people who are being led by the HS could come up with differing "opinions."

I believe that Jesus will respond to our "ask", "seek", "knock" but does not give us a direct answer to every Scripture. One friend at work who claimed to be Holy Spirit guided seemed to me to take a deep breath, hesitate, and then pronounce his view, and some answers were, to me at least, outrageous. His theology was different to mine.

For those who share a close theology to me, from experience we share a common understanding of the gospel and all the important Bible teachings, but differ on many Scrpture verses. Possibly environment, upbringing, education, different perspectives on a "work of art" (if we can use this figure for something much greater than a work of art).

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[ArcticFox]

I EDITED MY POST: I misunderstood something.

I may not like Rule number IV if it is used as a support for creating what is known as "systematic theology," a particular brand of theology that I generally do not like.

Although I understand the value it can have, I feel that systematic theology often forces a context onto verses that is foreign to them. For example, in an attempt to build a theology of salvation, we often pull verses from here and there and put them all together. That is OK only if it is accompanied by painstaking effort to assure that every single verse is being used according to its original context (because it is now found without its context). And even if that is the case, your readers are almost sure to not go the effort to verify each section of Scripture, and so will undoubtedly start to think of the Bible in such terms (as strings of pearls instead of a large portrait with various sections and techniques).

But, I don't know if this is what he originally meant by this rule, and so I will reserve any decision on my part as to his character or Bible study methods.

Other than that (which may be my own issue and not a problem with his particular study methods), I find his rules are generally very logical and sensible. In fact, I love how sensibly he approaches the Bible: no fancy hermeneutic gymnastic skills are necessary for his approach, and I believe it to be the best one in general.

Of course, we love to modify our own study methods when we reach sections of Scripture that we don't like or prefer to view differently. I admire those who are able to get beyond what they have always been taught, or what they have considered taboo in accord with integrity of Bible study.

 

[FearAndTrembeling]

http://worldwide.familyradio.org/zusa/graphical/literature/study/study_contents.html
You may find this study a help to your question, Here is an except:

Interpreting Scripture with Scripture Helps Us to Understand Matthew 12:36

The statement in Matthew 12:36 can be easily misunderstood if we do not practice the principle of comparing Scripture with Scripture. In Matthew 12:36 Jesus lays down the principle that "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Does this mean that believers will have to give an account before God? By looking at the word "judgment" in light of everything else the Bible offers, we know that believers do not come into judgment. Let us see why this is so.

The Greek word used in Matthew 12:36 and translated "judgment" in the King James Bible is the word krisis. This word is used in John 5:24, where Christ declares, "He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life." The word translated "condemnation" is the word krisis, the same word used in Matthew 12. Thus, we are assured that those who place their trust in Christ do not give an account before the judgment throne. To expand the thought, we know that the reason we do not come into judgment is that Christ became sin for those who place their trust in Him, and He has already been judged for those sins. Believers cannot be judged for sins that have been taken care of by our Savior. Effectively, believers have already stood before the judgment throne of God to answer for their sins. They did so in the person of Jesus Christ, who as their substitute, was laden with their sins, was found guilty of those sins, and was punished for those sins. The demands of the law of God recorded in II Corinthians 5:10 have been met by Christ on behalf of all those who believe on Him. This verse declares:


For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

These are just a few of the great number of examples that indicate that we must carefully examine words in the light of heir use throughout the Bible to discover their true meaning. Since God is the author of the Bible, we know that every word in the original languages was chosen carefully, regardless of whether Luke, Jeremiah, or Moses was the human author, because we know that God is infallible in all that He does. We can place implicit trust in the Bible. (Page36-37)


I hope this study may guide deeper into the Word of God.

 

[A Brother In Christ]

who is the letter written to?
what is the context...
2 peter 1:19-21

 

[Murdock]

This "rules" were worked up back in the 1840's by a guy named William Miller and I'd like to know what you think of them:

"IN studying the Bible, I have found the following rules to be of great service to myself, and now give them to the public by special request. Every rule should be well studied, in connexion with the scripture references, if the Bible student would be at all benefited by them.
RULE I.
Every word must have its proper bearing on the subject presented in the Bible.
PROOF
Matt.v.18.
RULE II.
All scripture is necessary, and may be understood by a diligent application and study.
PROOF
2Tim.iii.15,16,17.
RULE III.
Nothing revealed in the scripture can or will be hid from those who ask in faith, not wavering.
PROOF
Deut.xxix.29. Matt.x.26,27. 1Cor.ii.10. Phil.iii.15. Isa.xiv.11. Matt.xxi.22. John xiv.13,14. xv.7. James i.5,6. 1John v.13,14,15.
RULE IV.
To understand doctrine, bring all the scriptures together on the subject you wish to know; then let every word have its proper influence, and if you can form your theory without a contradiction, you cannot be in an error.
PROOF
Isa.xxviii.7-29. xxxv.8. Prov.xix.27. Luke xxiv.27,44,45. Rom.xvi.26. James v.19. 2Pet.i.19,29.
RULE V.
Scripture must be its own expositor, since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound it to me, and he should guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his sectarian creed, or to be
PROOFS
Ps.xix.7,8,9,10,11. cxix.97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105. Matt.xxiii.8,9,10. 1Cor.ii.12,13,14,15,16. Eze.xxxiv.18,19. Luke xi.52. Mal.ii.7,8.
thought wise, then his guessing, desire, creed or wisdom is my rule, not the Bible.
RULE VI.
God has revealed things to come, by visions, in figures and parables, and in this way the same things are oftentime revealed again and again, by different visions, or in different figures, and parables. If you wish to understand them, you must combine them all in one.
PROOFS
Ps.lxxxix.19. Hos.xii.10. Hab.ii.2. Acts ii.17. 1Cor.x.6. Heb.ix.9,24. Ps.lxxviii.2. Matt.xiii.13,34. Gen.xli.1-32. Dan.ii. vii. and viii. Acts x.9-16.
RULE VII.
Visions are always mentioned as such.
PROOFS
2Cor.xii.1.
RULE VIII.
Figures always have a figurative meaning, and are used much in prophecy, to represent future things, times and events; such as mountains, meaning governments; beasts, meaning kingdoms.
Waters, meaning people.
Lamp, meaning Word of God.
Day, meaning year.
PROOFS
Dan.ii.35,44. vii.8,17. Rev.xvii.1,15. Ps.cxix.105. Ezek.iv.6.
RULE IX.
Parables are used as comparisons to illustrate subjects, and must be explained in the same way as figures by the subject and Bible. Mark iv.13. See explanation of the ten virgins, Miller's Lectures, No.xvi.
RULE X.
Figures sometimes have two or more different significations, as day is used in a figurative sense to represent three different periods of time.
PROOFS
Ecc.vii.14.
1. Indefinite.
2. Definite, a day for a year.
3. Day for a thousand years.
If you put on the right construction it will harmonize with the Bible and make good sense, otherwise it will not.
PROOFS
Ezek.iv.6. 2Pet.iii.8.
RULE XI.
How to know when a word is used figuratively. If it makes good sense as it stands, and does no violence to the simple laws of nature, then it must be understood literally, if not, figuratively.
PROOFS
Rev.xii.1,2. xvii.3-7.
RULE XII.
To learn the true meaning of figures, trace your figurative word through your Bible, and where you find it explained, put it on your figure, and if it makes good sense you need look no further, if not, look again.
RULE XIII.
To know whether we have the true historical event for the fulfilment of a prophecy. If you find every word of the prophecy (after the figures are understood) is literally fulfilled, then you may know that your history is the true event. But if one word lacks a fulfilment, then you must look for another event, or wait its future development. For God takes care that history and prophecy doth agree, so that the true believing children of God may never be ashamed.
PROOFS
Ps.xxii.5. Isa.xlv.17,18,19. 1Pet.ii.6. Rev.xvii.17. Acts iii.18.
RULE XIV.
The most important rule of all is, that you must have faith. It must be a faith that requires a sacrifice, and, if tried, would give up the dearest object on earth, the world and all its desires, character, living, occupation, friends, home, comforts, and worldly honors. If any of these should hinder our believing any part of God's word, it would show our faith to be vain. Nor can we ever believe so long as one of these motives lies lurking in our hearts. We must believe that God will never forfeit his word. And we can have confidence that he that takes notice of the sparrow, and numbers the hairs of our head, will guard the translation of his own word, and throw a barrier around it, and prevent those who sincerely trust in God, and put implicit confidence in his word, from erring far from the truth, though they may not understand Hebrew or Greek."

Actually, the first rule should be that every single word in the bible is true. From what I've seen, too many people don't believe that. But once they know that every single verse is true, and that includes all of Genesis, then it's not hard to interpret the bible. Then all we have to do is to make sure that our interpretation makes no verse contradict another. Thus, scripture should be interpreted by other scripture.

 

[A Brother In Christ]

Actually, the first rule should be that every single word in the bible is true. From what I've seen, too many people don't believe that. But once they know that every single verse is true, and that includes all of Genesis, then it's not hard to interpret the bible. Then all we have to do is to make sure that our interpretation makes no verse contradict another. Thus, scripture should be interpreted by other scripture.

in the orginal... yet many greek transcripts have different word do to copiers adding or subtraction

 

[Murdock]

in the orginal... yet many greek transcripts have different word do to copiers adding or subtraction

But the meaning of each verse always remains the same. Quibbling about words leads to 1 Timothy 6:4, "He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction bnetween men of corrupt mind..."

So once again, if one's interpretation agrees with all scripture it's right, no matter how it's worded. If it disagrees with other scripture, it's wrong, no matter how it's worded. So instead of quibbling about words, all we need to make sure is that our interpretation doesn't contradict other scripture.

 

[A Brother In Christ]

matt 5:18 show how litteral to translate

 

[A Brother In Christ]

But the meaning of each verse always remains the same. Quibbling about words leads to 1 Timothy 6:4, "He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction bnetween men of corrupt mind..."

So once again, if one's interpretation agrees with all scripture it's right, no matter how it's worded. If it disagrees with other scripture, it's wrong, no matter how it's worded. So instead of quibbling about words, all we need to make sure is that our interpretation doesn't contradict other scripture.

in the context of 1 tim 6:4 -5 who was told gain is godliness ... the Jews yet we as the firstfruit are told something different.

1 John 4:21.... mild hate for brother.... does not have God in him

luke 14:26 ... the 12 disciples had to mildly hate their whole family to follow God to become a disciple

do these to verse contradict .... Different mail

 

[Murdock]

in the context of 1 tim 6:4 -5 who was told gain is godliness ... the Jews yet we as the firstfruit are told something different.

1 John 4:21.... mild hate for brother.... does not have God in him

luke 14:26 ... the 12 disciples had to mildly hate their whole family to follow God to become a disciple

do these to verse contradict .... Different mail

Again, since the bible doesn't contradict itself, then one must first believe every verse in the bible, then interpret scripture through other scripture. Since Jesus is love, then he does not advocate hating people. Therefore when he uses the word "hate" he is using it in comparison to how much we need to love God before our families. So we must not take single verses out of context. And that's why the first rule for interpreting scripture must be that we know that every single verse in the bible is true and cannot therefore contradict any other scripture.

 

[A Brother In Christ]

in the context of 1 tim 6:4 -5 who was told gain is godliness ... the Jews yet we as the firstfruit are told something different.

1 John 4:21.... mild hate for brother.... does not have God in him

luke 14:26 ... the 12 disciples had to mildly hate their whole family to follow God to become a disciple

do these to verse contradict .... Different mail

Again, since the bible doesn't contradict itself, then one must first believe every verse in the bible, then interpret scripture through other scripture. Since Jesus is love, then he does not advocate hating people. Therefore when he uses the word "hate" he is using it in comparison to how much we need to love God before our families. So we must not take single verses out of context. And that's why the first rule for interpreting scripture must be that we know that every single verse in the bible is true and cannot therefore contradict any other scripture.

like gen 2:16-17 eat of any tree but not of the tree of good and evil

gen 9:1-5 eat meat and green herbs but no blood
lev 11:1-47 .. to show that they are holy vs 44
1 tim 4:3-5, romans 14:20-23, 1 cor 8:12

4 different diets .... 4 different groups

one God... teaching humans about themselves and himself with different situations

 

[winsome]

The are many problems with “rules” like these.

Let us take RULE V.
”Scripture must be its own expositor, since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound it to me, and he should guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his sectarian creed, or to be thought wise, then his guessing, desire, creed or wisdom is my rule, not the Bible.”

This is just another version of the false doctrine of Sola Scriptura. The “proofs” are not proofs at all. Of course there are poor teachers and false teachers as well as good ones. Many of the former are those who think they can discern the meaning of scripture all by themselves, and lead to the multiple interpretation that different denominations expound.

Listen to Paul

Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers. (1Tim 4:16)

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching; (1Tim 5:17)

Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.(2Tim 1:13-14)

He [a bishop] must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it. (Ti 1:9)

Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; (2Jn 1:9-10)

Paul is telling Timothy & Titus that they must pass on the teaching they had received. This was an oral passing. They had no NT scriptures at that stage.

John is making the same point when he says:
Everyone who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God; whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. Do not receive into the house or welcome anyone who comes to you and does not bring this teaching; (2Jn 1:9-10)

RULE II.
”All scripture is necessary, and may be understood by a diligent application and study.”
PROOF
2Tim.iii.15,16,17.

But what does this actually say - and include verse 14

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
(2 Tim 2:14-17)

In no-way does this say that all scripture may be understood by a diligent application and study. In fact it says the opposite – that Timothy learned it from someone, not that he knew it by personal study, however diligent.

That leads to another “rule” – don’t pick bits of scripture out of context. The “proof” omits the vital verse 14 that show that Timothy learned it from someone else (and therefore contradicts rule V.

RULEI.
”Every word must have its proper bearing on the subject presented in the Bible.”
PROOF
Matt.v.18.

So you have to be fluent in Hebrew & Koina Greek. Otherwise you are dependant on other people for a translation – breaking rule V

Another problem with rules like these is that are very analytical. They are the product of a western, philosophically oriented mindset. When trying to understand scripture we have to try and understand the context and mindset of the people who said the words or wrote them down.

Jesus and the twelve apostles were Palestinian Jews with an Palestinian, Jewish mindset. They did not think and speak in philosophical terms and give definitions in the style of Socrates or Aristotle but in concrete examples. Even Paul, though he was of the diaspora, was still of a Jewish mindset. That is why Jesus said, for example: the kingdom of heaven is like….
…a mustard seed (Mt 13:31)
…a treasure buried in a field (Mt 13:44)
…a merchant searching for fine pearls (Mt 13:45)
…a net thrown into the sea (Mt 13:47)
…a king who decided to settle his accounts (Mt 18:23)
…a landowner who went out at dawn to hire labourers (Mt 20:1)
…a king who decided to give a wedding banquet for his son (Mt 22:2)