Biblical Metaphors and Examples to Avoid in Christian Teaching
Christian teaching, while aiming to convey profound truths, must carefully select its metaphors and examples to avoid misdirection, confusion, or the promotion of unbiblical attitudes. The New Testament epistles, in particular, frequently caution against specific behaviors and types of discourse that undermine spiritual growth and community harmony.
One significant area of caution involves avoiding strife and contention. The apostle Paul identifies strife as a "work of the flesh" and an "evidence of a carnal spirit" [1]. Passages like Proverbs 3:30 and 25:8 forbid it, while others illustrate its destructive origins, such as hatred (Proverbs 10:12), pride (Proverbs 13:10), wrath (Proverbs 15:18), and tale-bearing (Proverbs 26:20) [1]. James 4:1 links strife to lusts, and 1 Timothy 6:4 and 2 Timothy 2:23 warn against "curious questions" that lead to disputes [1]. Christ himself is presented as an example of avoiding strife, as seen in Isaiah 42:2 and Matthew 12:15-19 [1]. Therefore, teaching that encourages or models contentious debate, especially over non-essential matters, deviates from this biblical emphasis on peace and unity. Matthew Henry, commenting on Titus 3:9, advises shunning "idle and foolish enquiries, tending neither to God's glory nor the edification of others" [6]. Such discussions, he notes, are distinct from "needful questions to be discussed and cleared" that promote useful knowledge [6].
Another behavior to avoid is flattery. Scripture warns that saints should not use flattery, nor should ministers [2]. Psalm 5:9 and 12:2 indicate that the wicked use flattery towards others, while Psalm 36:2 suggests they use it towards themselves [2]. Hypocrites are depicted using flattery towards God (Psalm 78:36) and those in authority (Daniel 11:34), and false prophets and teachers are also noted for this practice (Ezekiel 12:24; Romans 16:18) [2]. The Bible suggests that wisdom is a safeguard against flattery (Proverbs 4:5) and that flattery, while sometimes used for worldly advantage (Daniel 11:21-22), seldom gains genuine respect (Proverbs 28:23) [2]. There is a clear danger associated with flattery (Proverbs 7:21-23) and a punishment for those who engage in it (Job 17:5; Psalm 12:3) [2]. Teaching that employs flattery, either towards congregants or leaders, risks aligning with the practices of the wicked and hypocritical rather than promoting genuine spiritual growth.
Malice is also explicitly forbidden in Christian teaching. It is described as springing from an evil heart (Matthew 15:19-20; Galatians 5:19) and is incompatible with the worship of God (1 Corinthians 5:7-8) [5]. Colossians 3:8 and Ephesians 4:26-27 instruct believers to put away malice, and 1 Peter 2:1-2 states that it hinders growth in grace [5]. The wicked are characterized by malice, speaking with it (3 John 1:10), living in it (Titus 3:3), and being filled with it (Romans 1:29) [5]. Conversely, saints are encouraged to avoid malice (Job 31:29-30; Psalm 35:12-14) and to pray for those who injure them through it (Matthew 5:44) [5]. Teaching that implicitly or explicitly condones malice, or fails to condemn it, contradicts fundamental biblical ethics.
Beyond specific vices, the New Testament also warns against certain types of discourse and intellectual pursuits that are counterproductive to faith. Paul, in 1 Timothy 4:7, instructs Timothy to "refuse profane and old wives' fables" and instead "exercise thyself rather unto godliness" [8, 9]. John Gill interprets these "fables" as potentially Jewish traditions, Gnostic ideas, or doctrines that forbid marriage and certain foods, labeling them as "impious and ungodly" and "foolish and impertinent" [9]. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown describe them as "anile myths" that lead away from "godliness or piety" [8]. This suggests that teaching should avoid speculative, unedifying narratives or traditions that distract from core biblical truths and practical piety.
Similarly, 1 Timothy 6:5 speaks of "perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds," who are "destitute of the truth" and suppose "that gain is godliness" [10]. John Gill explains these as individuals "corrupt in their principles, and corrupters of the word of God," who engage in "froward and perverse" arguments [10]. This highlights the danger of teaching that prioritizes financial gain or worldly advantage over spiritual truth, or that encourages argumentative, rather than edifying, discourse.
The concept of "elementary teachings" is also addressed in Hebrews 6:1, which encourages believers to "leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God" [4]. While foundational truths are essential, teaching should aim to move believers beyond mere basics towards deeper understanding and application, rather than perpetually rehashing introductory concepts without progress.
Furthermore, teaching should avoid promoting a "form of godliness but denying its power," as described in 2 Timothy 3:5 [3]. This refers to outward religious observance without genuine spiritual transformation or impact. Any teaching that emphasizes external rituals or appearances over the internal reality of faith and its transformative power risks falling into this trap.
Finally, the apostle Paul frequently uses the phrase "God forbid" (Greek: me genoito) to express strong repudiation of a supposed consequence of his doctrine, or an abhorrence of a particular thought [7]. This expression, used in Romans 3:4, indicates a firm rejection of ideas that contradict divine truth or character [7]. This rhetorical device serves as a model for teachers to clearly and unequivocally reject unbiblical notions.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Strife — Christ, an example of avoiding -- Isa 42:2; Mt 12:15-19; Lu 9:52-56; 1Pe 2:23. Forbidden -- Pr 3:30; 25:8. A work of the flesh -- Ga 5:20. An evidence of a carnal spirit -- 1Co 3:3. Existed in the church -- 1Co 1:11. Excited by Hatred. -- Pr 10:12. Pride. -- Pr 13:10; 28:25. Wrath. -- Pr 15:18; 30:33. Frowardness. -- Pr 16:28. A contentious disposition. -- Pr 26:21. Tale-bearing. -- Pr 26:20. Drunkenness. -- Pr 23:29,30. Lusts. -- Jas 4:1. Curious questions. -- 1Ti 6:4; 2Ti 2:23. Scorning. -- Pr 22:10. Difficulty of stopping, a reason for avoiding it -- Pr 1”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Flattery — Saints should not used -- Job 32:21,22. Ministers should not use -- 1Th 2:5. The wicked use, to Others. -- Ps 5:9; 12:2. Themselves. -- Ps 36:2. Hypocrites use, to God. -- Ps 78:36. Those in authority. -- Da 11:34. False prophets and teachers use -- Eze 12:24; Ro 16:18. Wisdom, a preservative against -- Pr 4:5. Worldly advantage obtained by -- Da 11:21,22. Seldom gains respect -- Pr 28:23. Avoid those given to -- Pr 20:19. Danger of -- Pr 7:21-23; 20:5. Punishment of -- Job 17:5; Ps 12:3. Exemplified Woman of Tekoah. -- 2Sa 14:17,20. Absalom. -- 2Sa 15:2-6”
- II Timothy “II Timothy 3:5 (BSB) — having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 6:1 (BSB) — Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith in God,”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Malice — Springs from an evil heart -- Mt 15:19,20; Ga 5:19. Forbidden -- 1Co 14:20; Col 3:8; Eph 4:26,27. A hindrance to growth in grace -- 1Pe 2:1,2. Incompatible with the worship of God -- 1Co 5:7,8. Christian liberty not to be a cloak for -- 1Pe 2:16. Saints avoid -- Job 31:29,30; Ps 35:12-14. The wicked Speak with. -- 3Jo 1:10. Live in. -- Tit 3:3. Conceive. -- Ps 7:14. Filled with. -- Ro 1:29. Visit saints with. -- Ps 83:3; Mt 22:6. Pray for those who injure you through -- Mt 5:44. Brings its own punishment -- Ps 7:15,16. God requites -- Ps 10:14; Eze 36:5. Pun”
- Titus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Titus 3:9: Here is the fifth and last thing in the matter of the epistle: what Titus should avoid in teaching; how he should deal with a heretic; with some other directions. Observe, I. That the apostle's meaning might be more clear and full, and especially fitted to the time and state of things in Crete, and the many judaizers among them, he tells Titus what, in teaching, he should shun, Tit 3:9. There are needful questions to be discussed and cleared, such as make for improvement in useful knowledge; but idle and foolish enquiries, tending neither to God's glory nor the edif”
- Romans (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Romans 3:4: God forbid--literally, "Let it not be," that is, "Away with such a thought"--a favorite expression of our apostle, when he would not only repudiate a supposed consequence of his doctrine, but express his abhorrence of it. "The Scriptures do not authorize such a use of God's name as must have been common among the English translators of the Bible" [HODGE]. yea, let God be--held true, and every man a liar--that is, even though it should follow from this that every man is a liar. when thou art judged--so in Psa 51:4, according to the Septuagint; but ”
- 1 Timothy (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Timothy 4:7: refuse--reject, avoid, have nothing to do with (Ti2 2:23; Tit 3:10). old wives' fables--anile myths (Ti1 1:4, Ti1 1:9; Tit 1:14). They are "profane," because leading away from "godliness" or "piety" (Ti1 1:4-7; Ti1 6:20; Ti2 2:16; Tit 1:1-2). exercise thyself--literally, "exercise thyself" as one undergoing training in a gymnasium. Let thy self-discipline be not in ascetical exercises as the false teachers (Ti1 4:3, Ti1 4:8; compare Ti2 2:22-23; Heb 5:14; Heb 12:11), but with a view to godliness or "piety" (Ti1 6:11-12).”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 4:7: But refuse profane and old wives' fables,.... Either Jewish ones, the traditions of the elders; or those of the Gnostics, concerning God, angels, and the creation of the world; or those doctrines of demons, and which forbad marriage, and commanded abstinence from meats before mentioned; which are called profane, because impious and ungodly, and old wives' fables, because foolish and impertinent; and which were to be rejected with abhorrence and contempt, in comparison of the words of faith and good doctrine. And exercise thyself rather unto godliness; either to th”
- 1 Timothy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Timothy 6:5: Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds,.... Who being corrupt in their principles, and corrupters of the word of God, dispute in a very froward and perverse way, rubbing and galling one another, and so provoke, to wrath and anger, and, every evil work: and destitute of the truth of Christ, who is the truth, knowing nothing of him spiritually and savingly; and of the Gospel, the word of truth; and also of the truth of grace, being carnal, sensual, and having not the Spirit of God. Supposing that gain is godliness; such were Simon Magus and his followers, and”