All Scripture is given by inspiration of God

 

I believe that is true.  But does that mean that every word in Scripture is true and has to be taken literally or is some of Scripture to be taken as an allegory or parable?  Does God put some weird stuff in there just to see if we are paying attention? :)

 

2 Timothy 3:16-17(NKJV)

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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Here are a couple of my thoughts on the subject. 

 

Jesus told us that he often He taught with allegories and parables.  So is it not probable that God did the same thing in other parts of the Bible? 

 

Scripture also tells us in multiple places that we need to learn to discern God's word.  If every single word in the Bible was to be taken at face value their would be nothing to discern would there?  Part of discernment is learning to separate the wheat from the chaff so to speak. 

 

 Lastly I think God has a great sense of humor.  I truly believe that God puts some stuff in there just to mess with us and see of we are paying attention! 

 

As a father I used to good naturedly screw with my kids just to see if they were paying attention.  As God the father, would it be out of character for God to do the same?  Its part of what I love about my study of Scripture.  :)