1 Thessalonians 5:21

“prove all things; hold fast that which is good”

“Prove”: To test, examine. “And yet you must scrutinize it all carefully” (Knox). The expression “all things” should remind us that we cannot just assume that something is right, neither can we accept the conclusions or majority opinions of secular society. The only means by which we can infallibly know if something is good or evil, is to test it by the word of God (Hebrews 5:14; Acts 17:11). God does not want us to be gullible. Genuine faith is not blind (Matthew 10:16). Certain people think it is really spiritual to just embrace and believe whatever religious leaders may say, yet false teachers do exist, and they exist in abundance (1 John 4:1). Even more prevalent is the attitude that we will just know if something is right or wrong depending on the "vibes” or “feelings" we receive when it crosses our path (Proverbs 16:25). In the context, "examine everything" would include an examination of the utterances being given by the prophets, because unfortunately, false prophets and pretenders have always existed. All teachers must be tested by previously revealed revelation (1 John 4:1; Acts 17:11; 2 John 1:9).

Hendriksen notes, “'Test all things' cannot mean ‘Try everything once', or ‘Enter every place of wickedness and find out for yourselves what it is'” (p. 140). Good and evil are not always easy to distinguish at first sight (Hebrews 5:12; Colossians 2:23). It is not being cruel or insensitive to ask someone to give. Biblical verse in defense of what they are teaching or practicing in the name of God.

“Hold fast”: “Cling” (TCNT). “Retaining only what is good” (Knox). “Keep on holding” (Robertson p. 38). “Denotes firm acceptance of the good. There must be no half measures” (Morris p. 178). We must do more than simply mentally "know" what is good, we must embrace it and practice it.