If we follow these principles faithfully, we will never be led astray, but if we reject them and go outside these principles, we open ourselves to every wild imagination of devils and men. So much harm has been done by those who rejected this beginning principle of interpretation. Instead of being a proof text, it will invariably become a pretext. All false doctrine and theology that the cults teach comes from the Bible is always, taken out of the context in which it is found. So, follow this second rule for proper interpretation.
All good literature uses the full scope of communicative language including the Bible.
However, when a passage is not to be taken literally, it will always be clearly indicated. No hidden meanings, or double meanings will be found, except in some prophecies. Figures of speech are found in the Bible because as good language skills, they enhance the communication of truth. However, if we distort it, reject it or apply it where it is not due we will undoubtedly have distortion and error. I'm reminded of a very obese Christian who used this method until one day God did speak to Him by rebuke through it.