1 Thessalonians 5:21

“Prove all things, etc.] That are said by the prophets, all the doctrines which they deliver; hear them, though they have not the gift of tongues, and all desirable advantages; do not reject them on that account, and refuse to hear them, for so, many useful men may be laid aside, and the Spirit of God in them be quenched; try their gifts, and attend to their doctrines, yet do not implicitly believe everything they say, but examine them according to the word of God the test and standard of truth; search the Scriptures, whether the things they say are true or not. Not openly erroneous persons, and known heretics, are to be heard and attended on, but the ministers of the word, or such who are…”

“Some of the oldest manuscripts insert "But." You ought indeed not to "quench" the manifestations of "the Spirit," nor "despise prophesyings"; "but," at the same time, do not take "all" as genuine which professes to be so; "prove (test) all" such manifestations. The means of testing them existed in the Church, in those who had the "discerning of spirits" (Co1 12:10; Co1 14:29; Jo1 4:1). Another sure test, which we also have, is, to try the professed revelation whether it accords with Scripture, as the noble Bereans did (Isa 8:20; Act 17:11; Gal 1:8-9). This precept negatives the Romish priest's assumption of infallibly laying down the law, without the laity having the right, in the exercise…”

“Prove all things - Subject everything submitted to you to be believed to the proper test. The word here used (δοκιμάζετε dokimazete), is one that is properly applicable to metals, referring to the art of the assayer, by which the true nature and value of the metal is tested; see notes, 1 Corinthians 3:13. This trial was usually made by fire. The meaning here is, that they were carefully to examine everything proposed for their belief. They were not to receive it on trust; to take it on assertion; to believe it because it was urged with vehemence, zeal, or plausibility. In the various opinions and doctrines which were submitted to them for adoption, they were to apply the appropriate tests…”

“Meantime, prove all things - Which any preacher recommends. (He speaks of practice, not of doctrines.) Try every advice by the touchstone of scripture, and hold fast that which is good - Zealously, resolutely, diligently practise it, in spite of all opposition. 1 Thessalonians 5:22”

“Prove: Isa 8:20; Mat 7:15-20; Mar 7:14-16; Luk 12:57; Act 17:11; Rom 12:2; Co1 2:11, Co1 2:14, Co1 2:15, Co1 14:28; Eph 5:10; Phi 1:10 \*marg. Jo1 4:1; Rev 2:2 hold: Deu 11:6-9, Deu 32:46, Deu 32:47; Pro 3:1, Pro 3:21-24, Pro 4:13, Pro 6:21-23, Pro 23:23; Sol 3:4; Joh 8:31, Joh 15:4; Act 11:23, Act 14:22; Rom 12:9; Co1 15:58; Phi 3:16, Phi 4:8; Th2 2:15; Ti2 1:15, Ti2 3:6, Ti2 4:14; Heb 10:23; Rev 2:25, Rev 3:3, Rev 3:11 1 Thessalonians 5:22”