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.