Scripture interprets Scripture. There are some difficult passages in the Bible. Some even appear to contradict one another. The rule that Scripture interprets Scripture helps us here, pointing us to the clear teachings of the Bible in place of the sensational or confusing passages.
Satan will have none of that. He will use Scripture for his own purposes. He quotes from the Old Testament Scriptures. He twists truth to his own agenda: deceive Jesus, taking him down, thwarting God's plan. In every case - not just when Satan twists Scripture - Jesus appeals to the clear teachings of God's word.
Psalm 119:11 offers us great wisdom: I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Jesus' example shows how this actually works. We do well to let God's word speak to us so that we may resist temptation and thwart Satan's efforts to deceive us. God's word, after all, is a fountain of life-giving truth!
