Question: My instinct tells me not everything we are taught is true. There are so many confusing voices these days. What is the best way to search the scriptures to find out if something is true?
Answer: A simple way to search the scriptures and determine for yourself if something is true is to use a scripture search program in your device and do word searches. If you want to know more on a certain topic, click on as many instances of terms related to it as feasible and start putting together a picture of it in your mind or on paper until it becomes clear how the scriptures use or define it. Be sure to interpret meanings and definitions solely from what the scriptures actually say, not from previous interpretations you may have had that could color your thinking. Also note the context in which each thing appears and that definitions may differ from one scriptural author to the next.
Although, I totally agree with your suggestion on how to find truth in the scriptures through scripture word search as it certainly does help in determining answers through study as that is an integral part of finding truth in todays society and voices of confusion but may I suggest one more and that is to ask God. I feel we sometimes forget that he is the answer to all our confusion. Do not the scriptures call us to ask of him and call us to have a personal relationship with him? How can we know if we do not build that relationship through prayer in asking? Do the scriptures not speak of truth? Does he not say that I am the truth the light and the way? The scriptures vehemently speak of coming unto him and asking him. He will answer but we have to ask in the right context and way and then hear his voice… through the scriptures which state his voice is his word, his word is the scriptures then feel his presence through the holy spirit which will manifest all truth to him who is sincere in asking, only then will we hear that still small voice of truth giving us the answers we desire.