2Timothy 2:14-15 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

There are twelve rules of interpretation: (1) Learn the native tongue in which one reads his Bible. For example, master the English language if the English Bible is to be used. (2) Give the same literal meanings to words, and apply to the Bible the same rules of grammar, figures of speech, types, symbols, allegories, parables, poetry, prophecy, history, and all other forms of human expression that you would if they were found outside the Bible. (3) Learn the Bible manners, customs, and peculiar idioms. (4) Get acquainted with the geography of all Bible lands. (5) Get a general knowledge of the history of the biblical peoples and kingdoms to understand biblical history (historical writers such as Josephus Flavius). (6) Get a general knowledge of the plan of God in the Bible – of the ages and dispensations and the ultimate purpose of God to defeat satan, restore man’s dominion, rid the earth of all rebellion, and establish an eternal kingdom on earth ruled by God, Christ, and the resurrected saints (Gen. 8:22; 9:12; Isa. 9:6-7; Luke 1:32-33; Rev. 11:15; 20:1-10; 22:4-5). (7) Recognize the three classes of people dealt with in Scripture – the Jews, Gentiles, and the body of Christ amongst the congregations (1Cor. 10:32). (8) Keep in mind the historical background of each book and the circumstances under which it was written. (9) Never change the literal meaning of Scripture to a spiritual, mystical, symbolic, or figurative meaning unless it is done by God Himself. Take everything in the Bible literally unless this could not possibly be the meaning. When the language is used in a figurative sense get the literal truth conveyed by it. (10) Get a complete concordance such as Strong’s and Young’s to look up any subject and to define any Hebrew or Greek word if there is any question of proper translation. (11) Be just as intelligent and fair with the Bible as with any other book. Study it, not to disprove it, but to master its sacred contents and conform to its teachings and you will find it to be in unity. (12) It must be settled once and forever that the Bible does not contradict itself and all scriptures on a subject must be harmonized. It has a way of confusing its enemies and blessing its friends. The only thing difficult about the Bible is that it is a very large book and it will take time to master its contents enough to get a general understanding of it. Read it over and over and practice its teachings and it will soon become a very simple and practical book.

From Mark 4:24 we have a warning as to what we hear and a promise that if we hear correctly more will be given. If we reject the truth, what we have will be taken away (Luke 8:16-18).