Which verse did Tan use to support the use of Scripture in counseling?

• A. Hebrews 4:12
• B. 2 Timothy 3:16
• C. Psalm 23:1
• D. Matthew 28:19

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that Scripture is the authoritative, sufficient tool for guiding counseling work. 2 Timothy 3:16 states that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. This provides a clear basis for using Scripture in counseling: it presents Scripture as the divinely inspired resource that can instruct clients, expose error, correct beliefs, and shape growth in how they live. Hebrews 4:12 also highlights the power of God’s word, describing it as living and active, which supports the idea that Scripture can effect real change, but it doesn’t articulate the exact basis Tan used for citing Scripture in counseling. Psalm 23:1 is comforting and vivid imagery of God’s care, not a direct claim about Scripture’s role in counseling. Matthew 28:19 emphasizes teaching and disciple-making in a mission context, which relates to spiritual guidance but doesn’t specify Scripture’s functional use in counseling. So the verse that most directly justifies using Scripture in counseling is the one that links Scripture to teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.