If you’re using a measuring tape and begin to question if it’s accurate how do you check it? Well you can get a folding carpenter’s ruler, a regular ruler, a yard stick, or another measuring tape. Then you compare the measurements from the tape you are using to the other. The key is it has to be something that measures using the same measuring system. So if you’re using a tape measure that uses inches then you have to compare it with something that measures in inches. This is how you will know if your tape measure is reading right.
When reading the Word of God sometimes we encounter something that we don’t understand. When this happens we must not formulate our own personal opinion about it. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20 KJV). Rather we should measure it against the Word. By this I mean dig into the Word and see if there is another verse that clarifies it. This is how you know something is true. This is how you study the scriptures.
It is a commendable thing to study the Word of God. And we should study the Word of God. As you study though you need to know what to measure against. So I tell you this so as you study you have the right tools in your bag to do it.
I will add it is perfectly fine and advisable to ask someone that studies the Word about things you don’t understand. I will say though they should be students of the Word. They should be men or women of good reputation. Consider this in Acts chapter 6 there was a problem with food distribution. The Disciples gave this instruction. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business (Acts 6:3 KJV). If the men over this had to have these qualifications shouldn’t those that feed souls from the Word of God have the same?
So study the Word and get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding (Proverbs 4:7 KJV).
2 Timothy 2:15 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.