I was reading the temptation of Jesus and it got me thinking of how us Christians normally misuse scriptures for various reasons and I'll be elaborating on the few ways it could occur below.
For our benefits: I've done this lots of times too which I knew deep down was not right. For example I was about to do something that's bad and I'll use this scripture to defend myself.
Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself?Ecclesiastes 7:16-18 KJV
From my understanding of the verse it means we shouldn't be too righteous or too wicked, and don't be too wise or too foolish. Basically, it's all about finding balance and moderation in life. Trying to be too extreme in any direction can be detrimental to your well-being. It doesn't mean we should take it out of context to do what's bad.
I have also heard lots of other Christians use it and some other similar verses to suit themselves even when they know it's a sin.
To lure others into sin: Just like the Devil tried to lure Jesus to jump down from a high pinnacle by quoting the scriptures.
and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
Matthew 4:6 NLT
I've also seen it lots of times when people lure others into doing what is bad by quoting scriptures to back up their claim. The fact that someone quoted a scripture to lure you to do something doesn't make it good and we can learn that from the temptation of Jesus.
Out of Ignorance: sometimes we also misquote scriptures out of ignorance in the sense that we take the verses out of context as a result of different cultural Interpretations, confusion between old and new testaments and the likes. For example the popular saying ''God helps those who help themselves''. I realised it's not actually in the Bible. If God helped those who helped themselves what of those who can't help themselves? Although, putting the effort is also fundamental to as faith without works is dead.
These thoughts are solely mine and are not intended to offend or undermine anyone.
Happy Sunday, Stay Blessed!