Have you ever heard the phrase “reading between the lines”? Do you think doing so is a good thing, or should be avoided? At its core, reading between the lines simply means looking for and arriving at a knowledge of the truth beyond and between what is expressed to you directly with words. It can either be dangerous or necessary.
You may be hesitant to do so for fear of creating a narrative in your mind which is not true. This is a very valid concern because the scripture exhorts us:
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8 (ESV)
There is a real danger of “reading to much into it” when listening to a person’s words or observing their actions. Doing so can lead to all kinds of problems, such as making wrong assumptions which can lead to bad decisions.
Avoid this pitfall by getting to know a person better. Relationships take effort. It involves asking questions in various ways and simply spending more time with someone to know them better. Hearing them talk more will allow you to learn more.
The necessity of reading between the lines
You would like to believe whatever someone says is what they mean to communicate and is true.
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor
Ephesians 4:25a (ESV)
However, it is not always an easy task. Sometimes life is complicated, and people will say things in a certain way for various reasons. In some cases, those things may be true, but not the whole story.
There are all kinds of reasons why, like lack of time, deferral to others, politeness, or even for self preservation.
As you encounter these situations, you must “read between the lines” to arrive at the truth.
When doing so, it is necessary to use your knowledge about a person or situation to construct a true assessment of the situation in your mind.
A better decision can be made when you have better information.
For example, you may ask someone for a favor, but later find out it will be difficult for them to fulfill. They responded to you hesitantly, however saying “yes, they’d be happy to help”.
Knowing them well, you may choose to ask more questions to be sure, or make different arrangements anyway, because you’re skilled at reading between the lines.
They should tell the truth.
But arriving at the truth by reading between the lines can help you make better decisions.
Reflect
- Too much reading between the lines leads to creating falsehood in your mind and bad decisions
- Not enough reading between the lines may lead to failing to understand the whole picture and thus bad decisions
- The right amount leads to a more accurate picture of truth and better responses.
This certainly takes much wisdom and discernment.
Strive to better understand others and seek the truth while forming your decisions with just the right amount of “reading between the lines.”
