Story 128 - The Cause of False Interpretation

There was a man employed in the army. He was in love with a lady, and his superior officer was also in love with the same lady. This lady had given her heart to an officer of the lower rank, the subordinate officer took leave from the army and went home, and the lady embraced the opportunity to be present at his home also. The marriage was arranged and he though it necessary to get his leave of absence extended, so he wired to his superior officer to extend his leave of absence. The superior officer came to know about the whole affair and he knew that the leave of absence was wanted so that this officer might marry the lady. Now the superior officer was jealous and did not wish to grant the leave, and in answer, telegraphed this hasty message, in laconic language, "Join at once." He meant this subordinate officer should join the army at once. This man was reading the message which said, "Join at once," and he wanted very much to stay away, but the message said, "Join at once." He felt very much disappointed and worried over the matter. While he was in this state of mind, the lady came in and seeing him so despondent wanted to know the cause. He showed her the telegram. The quick wit of the lady helped her to interpret the message to her own advantage, and she put a most gladsome interpretation upon the message, and she was rejoicing and dancing. She asked him why he was so miserable; she thought he ought to rejoice. She was preparing to leave the room when he asked her why she was leaving so quickly, and she replied, "To make all preparations for a hasty marriage."

That is the way people read their own meaning into the sacred Scriptures. Such interpretation might have done well for the lady who wanted to get married, but it won't do for the interpretation of the Scriptures.

MORAL: Self-interest is generally the cause of false interpretation. To interpret truly one must rise above self-interest.

Vol. 1 (338-339)