What is the difference between prescriptive and descriptive scriptures? Why does it matter?

Over recent months, I have seen various social media posts which try to claim that the Bible condones certain acts and behavior because it is featured in the scriptures. It is usually used as a gotcha moment in order to silence Christians as they try to use the Scriptures as their moral compass and guide to live by in life. However, it usually fails and only shows the individual’s ignorance in the Bible itself as the Bible is a mix of different types of literature. Literature such as poetry, biography, prophecy, narratives, discourse, letters and proverbs. Within these types of literatures, there are prescriptive and descriptive scriptures. What are prescriptive and descriptive scriptures? What is the difference and why is it important to know the difference? 

Prescriptive Scriptures is a clear moral rule or command. In the form of direct rules, laws and ethical instructions. These scriptures are telling people how things should be done, how to live, speak and act. Timeless directives for holy living, helping individuals and communities to live and walk in obedience. One example of prescriptive scriptures in the Old Testament is the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17. As well as the Mosaic Civil and Moral Law and wisdom directives found in the Proverbs would be directions for holy living. While the wisdom of the Proverbs are not direct commands, they are guidelines to live by. For example, Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” The teachings of Jesus, i.e. The Sermon on the Mount, and apostolic instructions are examples of prescriptive scripture in the New Testament. For example, Philippians 2:14 says “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” It is an explicit call to adopt a Christ honoring attitude which would consistently align with God’s revealed character and would remain relevant today. 

Descriptive Scriptures are observations and facts that explain how things happened. These scriptures tell a story or record an event without endorsement of these events. These are historical events, human choices, and cultural settings. The records simply show what happened and not necessarily what should have happened. In the Bible, there are books which are historical and narrative in nature. For example, Genesis, Judges, 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, and Acts. An example of a descriptive scripture would be 1 Kings 11:1-3 in which King Solomon has many foreign wives despite the prohibition against marrying foreigners and three concubines. Many individuals will use this scripture as proof that God endorses polygamy. However, it is a simple historical description of a broken action. It does not command or approve as many people fall to read further as verse 3 ends with “his wives led him astray” and leading him to turn away from the Lord and toward other gods (1 Kings 11:4) and doing evil in the eyes of the Lord (1 Kings 11:6). A New Testament example is in Acts 2 as the early church shared their money and property. It is a description of their unique situations; however, it does not command all modern churches or believers to do the exact same thing. 

How do readers of the Bible tell the difference between prescriptive and descriptive scriptures? First, it is important to know that the writers of the Bible wrote with a specific purpose for a specific audience. When reading a passage, it is important to ask who is the author and who was his audience? Many authors wrote to inform, correct, challenge, teach and explain to the people of their time. Since modern believers are not the original audience, our goal is to discover the original message in order to bridge the historical and cultural gap. It is only then can we be able to apply that meaning to our own time and culture. Second, prescriptive scriptures can be direct commands by using starting with “Do not” or “Do.” Third, check the literary genre which will clue readers to whether the passage is prescriptive or descriptive. The epistles, legal codes and wisdom literature, like the Proverbs, are more likely to be prescriptive in nature. While descriptive passages recount an event with a command to repeat. For example, the early church meeting in individuals' homes explains how the early believers gathered but there is no command for modern believers to do the same. 

Why does the difference matter? When the difference is understood correctly, the distinction preserves spiritual integrity while acknowledging the unity and consistency of Scripture. First, the proper application of scripture. When one understands which commands remain binding today and which passages are merely a historical record. Second, spiritual growth. Understanding the difference allows for the clearly prescriptive scriptures to be actions we are to follow exactly. For example, 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually. Also descriptive accounts of Christ’s ministry reveals how He showed compassion, encountered opposition and confirmed his divine identity through his miracles. These narratives can inspire faith; however, it doesn’t impose any command for every believer to perform an identical ministry. Lastly, avoiding legalism. Overapplication of descriptive passages as though they were commands can lead to legalism. By differentiating the text’s intent, believers can avoid imposing unnecessary burdens that Scripture does not prescribe. There are practical guidelines for believers to follow in order to interpret Scriptures correctly. First, pay attention to the context. The context can give us clues if the text gives us a direct instruction like “honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12) or a text which is not a specific test for every believer like the fleece for confirmation in Judges 6. Second, a whole Bible perspective. To see the harmony across the Bible reaffirms that some Scriptures are prescriptive instructions while others are descriptive as to why. 

In conclusion, both prescriptive and descriptive Scriptures are vital as they both document how God has worked in history as well as gives believers instructions to live holy lives. While prescriptive scriptures explain how God commands believers to live; however, descriptive scriptures are faith rooted histories and testifies to the trustworthiness and historical reality of God’s interactions with humanity. It is important to study both prescriptive and descriptive scriptures and recognize their purpose in our lives. Believers, study the Bible in full. Take inspiration and learn from the descriptive scriptures and use the prescriptive scriptures as guidelines to live and grow spiritual in our relationship with the Lord.  And even be able to defend our faith and our God to those who would use his holy word against him. 

The Gods Will Sing Our Song: a World War II historical romance with magic, myth and the power of love

The Gods Will Sing Our Song by Autumn Krause is a sweeping World War II historical romance with magic, myth and the power of love. In 1942, the world is at war and two lives are set to meet and their lives will change forever. Seventeen year old Ren Hamada has a troubled past that seems to follow him. Violet Aratani seemingly has the perfect life with loving parents and a bright future with college in front of her. However, in May 1942, Ren, Violet and their community of Japanese Americans were rounded up and sent to the Manzanar Relocation Camp in the California desert. Ren and Violet have little in common except the family relics they prize. Together, they discover a god walks among them as his mortal form is tethered to the camp and only Ren and Violet have the power to release him. Would a divine favor be powerful enough to save them and their families? Will they have the strength and resilience to fight for their survival? 

I was first pulled to this story by its cover and then I knew I wanted to read it when the blurb. Inspired by the author's true family history of internment and resilience, The Gods Will Sing Our Song is a fast paced, intriguing story with emotion and tensions. The internment of the Japanese Americans during World War II is another horrible, devastating period of American history. Ms Krause describes the internment camp and its condition in vivid detail that my heart broke for these people who loved the US and their only crime was being Japanese. I enjoyed the mixture of history and Japanese mythology. Ren and Violet’s interaction with the god was fun and powerful as Ren is skeptical and Violet believes. I could not put this book down as tensions rose. I even loved reading the author’s note as she explained the inspiration for this powerful story. While this book is categorized as young adult, I highly, highly recommend The Gods Will Sing Our Song for everyone. 

The Gods Will Sing Our Song will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

on September 1, 2026

Aloha Hideaway Inn: a small bed and breakfast, a big resort and a budding romance

Aloha Hideaway Inn is the first book in the Getaway Bay Resort series by Elana Johnson. Stacey Stapleton has big plans for Aloha Hideaway Inn, her bed and breakfast. But when Sweet Breeze, the new high rise resort opens in the bay, her plans come to a halt. She decides to go undercover and spy on the resort by spending a night. She learns that the resort cannot hold a candle to her quaint bed and breakfast. No matter how flawless it looks or how handsome and smart the owner is. However, when a tropical storm hits the bay, she and her guests must take refuge at the Sweet Breeze. As they wait out the storm, Stacey spends more time with Fisher DuPont, the owner of Sweet Breeze, and she realizes he is not the corporate monster she imagined. Can Stacey and her beloved Aloha Hideaway Inn survive the changes and the start of a new budding relationship? 

Aloha Hideaway Inn is a sweet clean romance in the Hawaiian tropical paradise. Unfortunately, I feel like I’ve read this story before. A small inn, a big resort and a forbidden romance between their owners. I liked Stacey as she tries to preserve her family’s legacy in her beloved bed and breakfast. I also liked Fisher as a man who is trying to overcome the shadow of his unscrupulous father. I enjoyed the supporting cast of characters. I enjoyed how the community came together as they faced the storm. I did not enjoy the miscommunication conflict as Stacey and Fisher constantly jump to conclusions and simply don’t clear the air by communicating! Overall, the characters were good but I just couldn’t shake the feeling I had read this story before. I will not be continuing the series. However, if you enjoy a clean, sweet romance in a tropical paradise, I recommend Aloha Hideaway Inn. 

Aloha Hideaway Inn is available in paperback and eBook

Her No 1 Fan: a psychological thriller as a woman must fight her her life and her freedom

Her No 1 Fan by Abby Davies is a psychological thriller which grabs readers from the beginning and will not let go. Rachel Brown plays Doctor Elouise Sparks on the popular TV series “Emergency,” Despite her success, she receives devastating news that brings her dreams crashing down. Before she can tell her husband, Mikey Bell takes Rachel from her home to his remote mountain cottage. He has a strange request and he promises to let her go by Christmas, if she fulfills this request. However, there is someone else in the cottage who makes it clear that they will not honor Mikey’s promises. They have a different request for Rachel and make it clear that there is no intention to let her leave. What vicious plans are being made? Is there a way out? Can Rachel figure out a way to escape? 

Abby Davies is a new author to me and Her No 1 Fan is a thriller I never read before. From the very beginning, I was pulled into Rachel’s story and the terrifying situation she must fight to survive. The tensions build as Mikey lovingly takes care of Rachel, she feels she can appeal to him to let her go. The second person in the home, I don’t want to reveal who, was the truly terrifying person and their presence adds to the tension. I enjoyed Rachel’s resolve and determination to gain her freedom whether by being let go or fighting her way out. The only let down was the ending. While exciting, the story ends abruptly. I closed the book with a “What?” Overall, I enjoyed the story despite the abrupt ending. If you enjoy psychological thrillers, I recommend Her No 1 Fan. 

Her No 1 Fan is available in paperback and eBook

Just Add Romance: it was supposed to be a brief fling, what happens when they add a little romance?

Just Add Romance is the first book in the Everly Falls series by Heather B. Moore. Everly Kane’s might has always been on the Plan B track. Despite her mother’s objections, she is perfectly happy with her job, her nights at the movies and leaving the past behind her. She definitely doesn’t want the reminder that her sister is soon to be married to her ex boyfriend. When she runs into an architect who is in charge of the renovations for her beloved theater, her life is about to change. Austin Hayes is a widower with a young daughter. The last thing he wants is to juggle a relationship. Since he is in Everly Falls for only a few weeks, he doesn’t need to worry. However, when he meets Everly, he can’t help but be drawn to her. She doesn’t want a commitment. All he can do is give the time he is in town. They agree to a fling. What happens when they add a little romance? 

Just Add Romance has been on my To Be Read List for a while. I finally got the chance to read it. From the very beginning, I sympathized with Everly. First being named after her hometown, missing her late father and dealing with her mother’s constant disappointment, she is determined to live her life on her terms. Austin is a man still hurting from his wife’s death and figuring out single fatherhood. When the two start hanging out, there is a connection neither one could deny. Their romance was sweet with laughter and fun banter. The drama and conflict was good without being overpowering and even a little surprising with how it was resolved. Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was fun, fast paced. I was hooked and couldn’t put it down, finishing it in a few hours. I am looking forward to the other books in the series. If you enjoy a fast paced clean romance, I highly recommend Just Add Romance. 

Just Add Romance is available in paperback and eBook

When the Moon Hatched: a romantasy that failed to live up to the hype

When the Moon Hatched is the first book in the Moonfall series by Sarah A Parker. When the Creators created their beloved dragons, they never expected they would fall and they punished those responsible. Raeve’s job is simply to kill. As a member of the rebel Fíur du Ath, she must complete her orders without being caught. When a well-known bounty hunter is employed by the Crown to capture members of the Ath, Raeve finds herself at the mercy of the Guild of Nobles who intended to use her as a political statement. Kaan Vaegor took the crown as king and continued his hunt for the moonshard when he stumbled across Raeve in shackles. As a song from the past begins to echo louder and louder, they learn of some truths that may be more dangerous than they ever imagined. 

When the Moon Hatched has been all over social media for a while with both rave and not so rave reviews. With a gorgeous cover and an intriguing premise, I was excited for the romantasy that story of “fast paced fantasy romance” with “witty banter and strong sassy protagonists.” The book is a beast at 576 pages and over 89 chapters. The prologue reeled me in; however, the rest of the book failed to keep me hooked. The author knows how to develop mood and atmosphere; however, I was bored and completely lost at times. There was so much going on with the magic system, the mythology and the politics that it was overwhelming. Overall, I was expecting to be taken to a magical world of action adventures and disappointed in this book. I do not recommend When the Moon Hatched. 

When the Moon Hatched is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Lost Letters of Aisling: historical drama of love, courage, and confronting one's past

The Lost Letters of Aisling by Cynthia Ellingsen is a historical drama of love, courage and confronting one’s past. After a near fatal illness, she only requested one thing from her granddaughter, to take her home. To Ireland, to the country she fled after World War II. Despite being close, Rainey knows very little of her grandmother’s past, she knew she could not tell her grandmother no. When they arrive at Aisling, Rainey discovers a trunk filled with letters. The letters take her to 1945 Dublin as the Germans surrender, there are celebrations in the street. Fourteen year old Evie meets her best friend, Harding McGovern. Harding is fiery and the two become as close as sisters. When rumors fly that Harding is involved in black market trade, while dangerous, would be able to fund her dream to immigrate to America. While uncertain of the truth, Evie is determined to stand by her friend at all costs. 

I love historical fiction with a good dual time point of view. The Lost Letters of Aisling promised to be a story of family, friendship, love and the freedom that comes from letting go of the secrets that we hide. From the opening chapter, I was excited until one piece of information took me out of the story entirely. During the celebration, the author writes that the crowd began to sing “God Save the Queen.” However, in 1945, King George VI was King of Great Britain, so “God Save the King” would have been performed. From that point on, I didn’t trust any of the author’s historical details, and there weren’t many, and the characters used phrases that wouldn’t have been common. There were also a few loose ends left at the end of the story which gave an unsatisfying ending. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend The Lost Letters of Aisling. 

The Lost Letters of Aisling is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook