Devotion: Do Not Add to God's Word

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

Do not add to his words,lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:5, 6 ESV)

It is interesting to me that there are those would take a Scripture like this and they will say that this was written years before the New Testament was written, so therefore, were not the New Testament writers adding to the Word of God that existed in those days? Then they go on to use this to justify why their particular church leaders can also add to the Word of God.

There are a number of examples in Scripture of people adding to the word of God. Three come to mind and I'm sure you will think of others.

Eve added to His word when she said they were not allowed to touch the tree of knowledge. (Genesis 3:3)

Satan added to God's word when he said Adam and Eve would not die but would become as God if they ate the fruit.(Genesis 3:4-5)

Nadab and Abiju while adding to the worship of God, in effect by their actions, added to God's word. (Numbers 3:4)

In all cases the one adding to God's word is found to be a liar and punished or will be found to be a liar in the final judgment and they will be rebuked. Not just a slap on the hand, but the wrath of God Almighty.

You will find that what the writers of the New Testament wrote was in complete agreement with the Scripture they had at the time. God does not contradict Himself.

The Apostle Paul encouraged his listeners to compare what they were taught with the Scriptures they already had to be sure they were being taught the truth.

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. (Acts 17:11 KJV)

This is key to knowing if what you read outside the Bible or hear preached from the pulpit is truth or man's addition to God's Word. It is also important to check our own thoughts and what we teach others against what the Bible says so we are not guilty of adding to God's word too.

Are you willing to put in the time and effort to do this?