Study Audio Download

The Purity of God’s Word:  Why We Must Not Add or Take Away

[Study Aired March 18, 2025]

Introduction

Throughout Scripture, God consistently emphasizes the perfection and completeness of His Word. In a world where man’s opinion often overshadows divine truth, understanding the purity of God’s Word becomes essential for genuine spiritual growth. As we explore this vital topic, we must begin with the foundational understanding that “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20), reminding us that these truths must be internalized, not merely understood intellectually.

The writer of Proverbs delivers a powerful declaration: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Proverbs 30:5-6). This statement establishes both the perfect nature of Scripture and the serious consequences of attempting to alter it. The Psalmist reinforces this concept: “The sum of thy word is truth” (Psalm 119:160 ASV), emphasizing that God’s Word in its entirety constitutes truth.

The apostle Paul further explains the origin of Scripture: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Understanding the purity of Scripture requires spiritual discernment beyond natural comprehension. As Paul explains, “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). We must approach this topic recognizing that true understanding comes through God’s Spirit comparing “spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13).

Throughout biblical history, deviations from God’s pure Word have led to spiritual confusion, judgment, and separation from God. By examining what Scripture itself says about its purity, we gain insight into why every word matters and why both adding to and taking away from God’s Word represents a serious spiritual transgression.

The Declaration of God’s Word as Pure

Proverbs 30:5-6 contains one of Scripture’s most direct statements about God’s Word: “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” This declaration deserves careful examination.

The Hebrew word translated “pure” is “tsaraph” (Strong’s H6884), meaning refined or purified as metal in a furnace. This metaphor appears elsewhere: “The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times” (Psalm 12:6). The imagery suggests a process where all impurities have been removed, leaving only what is perfect and valuable. Unlike men’s words which often contain error or impurity, God’s words are completely refined.

This purity stands in stark contrast to human wisdom. As Isaiah reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The verse continues by describing God as “a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” This reveals the protective function of God’s pure Word. When we trust in what God has said—without addition or subtraction—it shields us from error and spiritual harm.

The warning follows: “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” This serious consequence indicates that when we add to God’s words, we misrepresent Him and spread falsehood, even with good intentions. This principle applies not only to obvious textual alterations but also to giving traditions or interpretations the same authority as Scripture itself. Jesus confronted this problem: “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye” (Mark 7:13).

The purity of God’s Word serves a spiritual purpose beyond mere factual accuracy. As Jesus taught, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Each word carries spiritual significance and life-giving power that can be diminished when modified.

This warning appears elsewhere in Scripture, establishing the principle by the biblical standard of “two or three witnesses” (2 Corinthians 13:1): “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it” (Deuteronomy 4:2), and “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life” (Revelation 22:18-19).

The Sum of God’s Word is Truth

The Psalmist provides profound insight: “The sum of thy word is truth” (Psalm 119:160 ASV). This statement carries enormous implications. While the KJV renders this verse as “Thy word is true from the beginning,” the ASV translation captures an important nuance in the Hebrew. The word “rosh” can refer to the beginning, but also to the sum or totality, suggesting that truth is found not merely in isolated verses but in the complete testimony of Scripture.

This principle safeguards against misinterpretation. Individual verses or passages must be interpreted in light of the entire revelation of Scripture. As Paul instructed Timothy, we must be diligent to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15), comparing Scripture with Scripture.

This concept aligns with Paul’s instruction about “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13). The Holy Spirit teaches by connecting related truths across Scripture, revealing patterns that might not be apparent from any single passage alone.

The Psalmist continues: “and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth forever.” This affirms the eternal nature of God’s Word. Unlike opinions or cultural standards which change over time, God’s Word remains permanently relevant and authoritative because it originates from the unchanging God who declares, “I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

This eternal quality means we cannot dismiss portions of Scripture as outdated without effectively taking away from what God has declared to be perpetually valid. While specific applications may vary according to covenant contexts, the underlying spiritual principles remain consistently true.

This principle has practical implications for handling difficult or seemingly contradictory passages. Instead of dismissing such texts, we should see them as invitations to deeper study. Jesus demonstrated this approach when confronting temptation in the wilderness. When Satan quoted Scripture, Jesus responded not by rejecting the quoted passage but by bringing additional Scriptures to bear, saying “It is written again” (Matthew 4:7).

Understanding that “The sum of thy word is truth” reveals why both adding to and taking away from Scripture distort its message. Adding introduces elements that conflict with the harmonious whole, while taking away creates gaps in the complete picture God intends us to see.

All Scripture is Given by Inspiration of God

Paul’s declaration provides another foundational principle: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). This passage establishes both the source and purpose of Scripture.

The phrase “given by inspiration of God” comes from a single Greek word, “theopneustos” (Strong’s G2315), literally meaning “God-breathed.” This vivid term conveys that Scripture originates from God Himself—it is His very breath expressed in written form. This connects to creation, where “God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). Just as the Word brought creation into existence, He has breathed forth His Word to us, explaining its purity.

Significantly, Paul states that “all scripture” bears this quality. This comprehensive statement leaves no room for selecting which parts we consider inspired and which we might dismiss. When we understand that all Scripture is God-breathed, we must receive the whole counsel of God.

Scripture is “profitable” for four specific purposes:

1. Doctrine (teaching) – establishing what we are to believe about God
2. Reproof – revealing where we have strayed from God’s path
3. Correction – showing how to return to the right path
4. Instruction in righteousness – teaching how to live rightly before God

These functions work together toward the ultimate purpose: “That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” The word “perfect” (artios, Strong’s G739) means complete or fully prepared. Scripture thoroughly equips us for every good work, explaining why additions are unnecessary and dangerous—God has already provided everything we need.

This connects with Jesus’ statement that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Just as our physical bodies require a complete diet, our spiritual lives depend on the entire Word of God.

Since Scripture originates from God, we cannot interpret it according to our preferences. As Peter warns, “no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). We must approach Scripture with humility, recognizing that spiritual discernment comes through the Holy Spirit, who “teach[es] you all things” (John 14:26).

Historical Examples of Adding to or Taking Away from Scripture

Scripture contains numerous examples of the dangers that result from modifying God’s Word. As Paul noted, “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning” (Romans 15:4). These accounts provide practical insight into how these errors manifest.

In the wilderness, the Israelites demonstrated taking away from God’s Word by repeatedly ignoring portions of His commands. When Moses was on Mount Sinai, the people requested Aaron to make gods to go before them (Exodus 32:1), violating God’s command against idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5). The resulting judgment was severe, “And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand men.” (Exodus 32:28)

The prophet Balaam initially delivered God’s message to Balak faithfully, but later compromised by teaching Balak how to entice Israel into sin (Numbers 31:16). Revelation identifies this as “the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel” (Revelation 2:14). By adding his own counsel to God’s message, Balaam caused great harm.

During the Judges period, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25), substituting their judgment for God’s commandments. The book demonstrates the tragic consequences of this approach.

By Christ’s time, religious leaders had developed elaborate traditions placed alongside Scripture. Jesus confronted this error: “Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition” (Mark 7:13). These additions effectively nullified certain commandments, particularly regarding care for parents (Mark 7:9-12).

The early church faced similar challenges when certain teachers added requirements beyond those established by Scripture, teaching “Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved” (Acts 15:1). This prompted the Jerusalem Council, which affirmed salvation through grace alone (Acts 15:11).

Paul later confronted different errors in Colosse, where false teachers promoted “philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men” (Colossians 2:8). These included restrictions not found in Scripture: “Touch not; taste not; handle not” (Colossians 2:21). Paul identified these as “commandments and doctrines of men” lacking true spiritual value.

These examples reveal a consistent pattern: whether adding to or taking away from God’s Word, the result is spiritual corruption. Church history beyond the biblical record shows similar patterns, as various groups have either added extra-biblical writings or removed portions deemed offensive or difficult. In each case, the result has been distortion of God’s truth.

Modern Applications and Dangers

Understanding these biblical warnings has profound implications for us today. We face many contemporary temptations to modify God’s Word.

Many add to Scripture by elevating traditions or denominational practices to the level of biblical authority. While traditions aren’t inherently wrong, they become problematic when treated as equally binding as Scripture. Jesus addressed this: “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” (Matthew 15:3).

Another form of addition occurs through embracing extra-biblical teachings that claim equal authority with Scripture. Paul warned about this: “Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8).

Similarly, interpreting Scripture through worldly philosophies can introduce foreign elements. Paul cautioned: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men” (Colossians 2:8). When cultural values determine our understanding of Scripture rather than Scripture shaping our view of culture, we effectively add to God’s Word.

Taking away from Scripture happens when we dismiss certain passages as culturally bound or selectively emphasize comfortable teachings while minimizing challenging ones. “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:32).

Modern scholarship sometimes questions the reliability of certain passages, suggesting our understanding stands in judgment over God’s Word. This subtly diminishes Scripture’s authority, forgetting that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19).

Perhaps most commonly, we take away from Scripture through simple neglect. When we fail to engage with God’s Word entirely, portions cease to influence our thinking and living, unlike the Psalmist who declared: “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (Psalm 119:97).

These modifications lead to serious spiritual consequences:

1. Diminished spiritual discernment
2. Vulnerability to deception
3. Compromised relationship with God
4. Loss of spiritual effectiveness
5. Confusion and division among believers

Rather than modifying Scripture to fit our understanding, we need Scripture to modify us. As Paul instructed, “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). This transformation occurs as we approach Scripture with humility, allowing God’s pure Word to work internally.

Preserving the Purity of God’s Word in Our Hearts

Maintaining Scripture’s purity begins with our internal approach. As Jesus taught, “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21), indicating that the true battlefield lies in our hearts and minds.

The first essential step is approaching God’s Word with genuine humility. Isaiah described the attitude God honors: “to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word” (Isaiah 66:2). This reverent respect acknowledges Scripture’s authority over our opinions and preferences.

This humble approach leads to dependence on the Holy Spirit for understanding. Jesus promised, “the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost… shall teach you all things” (John 14:26). Rather than relying solely on intellectual abilities, we must seek the Spirit’s illumination, recognizing that “the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God” (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Regularly immersing ourselves in Scripture’s complete testimony provides another safeguard. When we consistently study the whole counsel of God, comparing “spiritual things with spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:13), we become sensitive to distortions or omissions. The Bereans exemplified this practice, as they “searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

Internalizing God’s Word helps us more readily notice alterations. The Psalmist valued this: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). This provides an internal reference point against which we can compare all teaching.

We must cultivate willingness to obey what Scripture teaches, even when uncomfortable. Jesus established this connection between obedience and understanding: “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God” (John 7:17). Partial obedience subtly takes away from Scripture by treating some commands as optional.

Community provides another safeguard. Paul instructed Timothy to “commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2), establishing a pattern that protects against individual distortions. When we humbly submit our understanding to mature believers, we reduce the risk of adding personal ideas to Scripture.

Regular self-examination regarding our handling of Scripture remains essential. Paul encouraged Timothy to be “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5) This requires vigilance against tendencies to modify God’s Word based on preferences or cultural influences.

Finally, preserving Scripture’s purity requires trusting God’s sovereignty over our understanding. Solomon instructs, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). When Scripture presents difficult truths, we must remember that God’s thoughts transcend ours (Isaiah 55:8-9) and trust that apparent contradictions resolve in His perfect wisdom.

Through these practices, we fulfill the pattern of Ezra, who “had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments” (Ezra 7:10). This three-fold commitment—seeking God’s Word, doing it, and teaching it faithfully—preserves Scripture’s purity across generations.

Conclusion

Throughout this study, we have explored the critical importance of maintaining God’s Word in its purity, neither adding to nor taking away from what He has spoken. We began with the declaration from Proverbs that “Every word of God is pure” (Proverbs 30:5), establishing the perfect nature of Scripture as our starting point. The Psalmist’s insight that “The sum of thy word is truth” (Psalm 119:160 ASV) reminded us that Scripture must be received in its totality for its full truth to be grasped. Paul’s testimony that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16) further confirmed that Scripture originates not from our minds but from God Himself.

Historical examples from Israel in the wilderness to the Pharisees demonstrated the consistent pattern—adding to or taking away from God’s Word invariably leads to spiritual error and vulnerability to deception. These biblical accounts serve as warnings, showing that even seemingly small modifications can create openings for more serious deviations from truth. The modern applications and dangers we examined revealed how these same tendencies manifest in our contemporary context, often in subtle ways that require vigilance to identify.

Finally, we explored practical approaches to preserving Scripture’s purity in our hearts, recognizing that this preservation begins internally as we humble ourselves before God’s Word, depend on His Spirit, and commit to receiving the full testimony of Scripture. These practices protect us from the ever-present temptation to modify God’s Word according to our preferences or cultural pressures.

The implications of this study extend beyond mere academic understanding. How we approach Scripture directly affects our relationship with God, our spiritual discernment, and our effectiveness in representing Christ to the world. When we add to or take away from God’s Word, we distort the very means by which He reveals Himself to us and through which He transforms us. Conversely, when we receive His Word in its purity, we position ourselves to experience its full life-giving power, as Jesus declared, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).

Let us therefore approach Scripture with the reverence it deserves, carefully guarding against both additions and subtractions. In doing so, we follow the example of Jesus, who consistently upheld the complete authority of God’s Word, declaring, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). May we likewise value every word God has spoken, treating Scripture not as raw material to be shaped according to our preferences but as the pure revelation of God that shapes us according to His perfect will.