II Timothy 3:16 KJV
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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Once men discover the true source of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge via the Bible, one might ask, how is it profitable?
II Timothy 3:16 KJV provides us with an answer. It is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. Let's look at each of these items individually.
DOCTRINE - is defined as what the Bible has to say about a particular subject, such as Heaven and Hell or Salvation. In other words, it's what God's word says or teaches about a subject. This is an important point, it's not what man has to say about a particular subject, but what God has to say and what Jesus Christ taught men while on earth.
REPROOF - is a rebuke, fault, or disapproval; it's a conviction of sin. For example, Proverbs 8:9 KJV says, "Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee." If we replace the word "reprove" and "rebuke" with "disapprove" the passage might sound more like this. Disapprove not a scorner, or else he [will] hate you. Disapprove a wise man's (faults), and he will love you. In other words, a scorner (sinner) is less likely to listen to a wise man's counsel, thus hating him, but a genuine believer will (love) the rebuke, because it will draw him closer to Christ who is perfection personified.
CORRECTION - is the act of bringing back, from error or deviation to a just standard, as to truth. It's a "changing of direction" that brings a sinner back into harmony with God's standards of righteousness. For example, John 14:15 KJV says, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." Correction is found in "returning to the truth (Scripture)" and "keeping God's commandments".
INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS - is the act of teaching or informing the mind; to educate; and impart knowledge. Again, God's word through Jesus Christ's examples, and the Holy Spirit's leading, will teach, inform, and educate men in the ways of God's righteousness.
From our brief study, we can see, the Bible, is a believer's source of inspiration, providing men with four fundamental benefits when we consult and follow God's word; it is profitable for Doctrine, Reproof, Correction, and Instruction in Righteousness, so that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works; sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with a lost and fallen world.
This passage is not intended to enslave a man, supporting legalism, but to enhance a man's personal relationship with Jesus Christ to help him grow spiritually in righteousness. The more a genuine believer reads and studies Scripture, the more they will reflect the image of Jesus Christ, His righteousness, and examples in your life. Let Scripture mold you into the person God wants you to be. Remember, "God's not finished with you yet."
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