It’s funny how the most familiar verses can also be the most overlooked and unexplored.  Take, for example, II Timothy 3:16.  This is a verse I’ve been able to quote since I was a child, but it wasn’t until a few days ago that I realized I didn’t fully understand what it was saying.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: — II Timothy 3:16

As I looked at the verse with fresh eyes, I saw what seemed to be two redundancies.   Doctrine means teaching, but doesn’t instruction also mean teaching?  If so, why is “teaching” listed twice?  Likewise, isn’t reproof simply a form of correction, so why is it, too, listed twice?  At first glance, it appears the verse could be summed up to say that all scripture is profitable for teaching and correction, right?

Admittedly, I was confused.  As the beginning of the verse states clearly, all Scripture is inspired by God.  He doesn’t make mistakes, nor does He waste words.  So, what gives?  Honestly, it all boiled down to mistakenly assuming I knew the definitions of each word.  Obviously, I didn’t, but I do now, and I’d like to share it with you.

Doctrine

Doctrine does mean teaching.  But it means much more than that.  Here’s the full definition:  teaching; instruction; precepts; learning; getting answers.  So while doctrine is about teaching, it’s also about learning.  Scripture is beneficial to us in that it gives us the answers we seek about life.  Who am I?  Why am I here?  Who is God?  Is there life after death?  If we have a question—whether about God, ourselves, life in general, finances, parenthood, etc.—the Bible has the answers.

Reproof

When we think of reproof in today’s society, we think of it as synonymous with rebuke or correction, and while it is related, its definition goes much deeper.  Here’s the full scoop:  evidence, proof, conviction.  Different, huh?  The Bible is profitable to us because it gives us proof.  Proof of God’s love.  Proof of God’s power. Evidence of God’s faithfulness.  And, yes, proof of man’s failings.  And with that proof, it convicts our hearts and helps us to recognize our need for a Savior.

Correction

This one didn’t surprise me much by its definition, but I admit a particular phrase stood out to me.  Here’s the definition in full:  restoration to an upright or proper state; improvement of character or life; to straighten up or rectify.  The Word of God is beneficial to us because it sets us straight.  It shows us how to do something to improve our character and our lives, and that’s the phrase that caused me to stop and think.  How many people today are looking for ways to improve their lives?  They struggle to climb corporate ladders.  They work long hours to build wealth.  They amass possessions.  But are they happy?  Not usually.  And that’s because life improvements can’t be found in worldly works or possessions.  They’re located in the Word of God.

Instruction

Like the word “doctrine,” the most basic definition of instruction is teaching, but it’s a particular type of teaching.  Look at the full explanation:  tutoring which cultivates the soul by correcting mistakes and curbing passions; teaching which aims to increase virtue; chastisement or chastening; nurture.  Wow!  It’s like teaching and correction wrapped into one and sprinkled with compassion and care.  The idea behind instruction is that it’s not about imparting knowledge simply for one to be knowledgeable.  It’s about growth.  It’s about creating a change in heart and mindset.  It’s about becoming so aware of who God is and what He’s done for us that we desire to serve Him above all else.

I know that’s a lot to take in, but it helped me better grasp precisely what this verse was saying.  And after getting my head wrapped around it, I realized it could be summed up like this:  Doctrine teaches us what’s right.  Reproof shows us what’s wrong.  Correction helps us to get right.  And instruction shows us how to stay right.  And that, my friends, is why we should study the Bible.  It is truly a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105).