Pitfalls of Using Human Examples in Biblical Guidance
While the Bible offers human examples for instruction and warning, relying solely on human examples for biblical guidance presents several pitfalls due to the inherent sinfulness and limitations of humanity. The Bible itself provides examples of both positive and negative human conduct [1]. For instance, Christ serves as the ultimate example (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15), and pastors are to be examples to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:12) [1]. Conversely, the Jews are presented as a warning (Heb. 4:11), and the prophets as examples of suffering affliction (James 5:10) [1].
However, the pervasive reality of human sinfulness means that no human example is perfect. All human beings are born sinners [4]. Even after conversion, individuals continue to commit actual sins [7]. This inherent sinfulness means that human examples, even those held up as godly, are flawed. The wicked indulge their sinful nature, while the godly fight against it [4]. Sin is not merely an action but can stem from an insolent or arrogant attitude, representing rebellion against God [6].
One significant pitfall is the potential for flattery and deception. The Bible warns against flattery, noting that saints should not use it (Job 32:21-22), nor should ministers (1 Thess. 2:5) [3]. The wicked use flattery to deceive others and themselves (Ps. 5:9; 12:2; 36:2), and false prophets and teachers employ it (Eze. 12:24; Rom. 16:18) [3]. The first sin involved Eve being "beguiled—cajoled by flattering lies" [5]. Relying on human examples without discernment can lead to being misled by those who use flattery or present a deceptive outward appearance.
Furthermore, human examples can be misinterpreted or misapplied. The concept of a "parable" in the New Testament, for instance, has a wide application, ranging from short proverbs to dark prophetic utterances and enigmatic maxims [2]. This breadth suggests that even divinely inspired human narratives require careful interpretation. When humans are the subject of the example, their actions must be weighed against the broader biblical teaching rather than being taken as an absolute standard.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Parable — (The word parable is in Greek parable (parabole) which signifies placing beside or together, a comparison, a parable is therefore literally a placing beside, a comparison, a similitude, an illustration of one subject by another.--McClintock and Strong. As used in the New Testament it had a very wide application, being applied sometimes to the shortest proverbs, (1 Samuel 10:12; 24:13; 2 Chronicles 7:20) sometimes to dark prophetic utterances, (Numbers 23:7,18; 24:3; Ezekiel 20:49) sometimes to enigmatic maxims, (Psalms 78:2; Proverbs 1:6) or metaphors expand”
- 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”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 58:3: 58:3 All human beings are born sinners (see 51:5); however, whereas the wicked indulge their sinful nature, the godly fight against it (Rom 7:19-23; Jas 4:1-10).”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 19:13: 19:13 An individual who commits deliberate sins does so with an insolent (86:14) or arrogant (119:21, 69) attitude. • The great sin is rebellion (see 32:1).”
- 1 John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 John 1:10: Parallel to Jo1 1:8. we have not sinned--referring to the commission of actual sins, even after regeneration and conversion; whereas in Jo1 1:8, "we have no sin," refers to the present GUILT remaining (until cleansed) from the actual sins committed, and to the SIN of our corrupt old nature still adhering to us. The perfect "have . . . sinned" brings down the commission of sins to the present time, not merely sins committed before, but since, conversion. we make him a liar--a gradation; Jo1 1:6, "we lie"; Jo1 1:8, "we deceive ourselves"; worst of al”