The Dangers of an Isolated Verse

(Proverbs 8:15 KJV)  By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

This verse is a good one for showing us the danger of proof texting.  Proof texting in one sense is a legitimate pursuit of truth.  In this sense you are looking for texts that prove a point of doctrine or teaching.  It is valuable when done without an agenda and for people of good will doing honest research.

Unfortunately it doesn’t usually work out that way.  The term has become a description of a method of finding the truth you are looking for at the cost of real truth.  In this form of “research” the “scholar” will take one verse that says what they want and make it the basis for all kinds of applications that are alien to its context and intended meaning.  To do good proof texting requires ignoring the clear teaching of large sweeps of scripture.  Thus if you were trying to justify your political position as dictator you can simply read this and silence the opposition.

So?  Be careful when you try to base a big statement on a little verse.  The key words above are “good will” and “honest”.   You may fool some people but God is not that gullible.