@TransmutingSoul - Thanks for the ‘like’.
In Daoism a text often comes with an oral tradition that explains how to interpret it. If this is lost, some consider the text unreadable.
Would you say a similar thing is at play regards reading the scriptures of Baha’i ?
Thank you for the question. It is a little more detailed in the Baha'i Writings, their is a lot written on this topic.
Specific to your question is that the only interpreter's of the Word are the Messengers of God, or any one they may appoint.
So interpretation is an issue humanity has got very wrong in the past.
Here is one passage about the outward and inward meanings.
"...It is evident unto thee that the Birds of Heaven and Doves of Eternity speak a twofold language. One language, the outward language, is devoid of allusions, is unconcealed and unveiled; that it may be a guiding lamp and a beaconing light whereby wayfarers may attain the heights of holiness, and seekers may advance into the realm of eternal reunion. Such are the unveiled traditions and the evident verses already mentioned. The other language is veiled and concealed, so that whatever lieth hidden in the heart of the malevolent may be made manifest and their innermost being be disclosed. Thus hath Sadiq, son of Muhammad, spoken: "God verily will test them and sift them." This is the divine standard, this is the Touchstone of God, wherewith He proveth His servants. None apprehendeth the meaning of these utterances except them whose hearts are assured, whose souls have found favour with God, and whose minds are detached from all else but Him. In such utterances, the literal meaning, as generally understood by the people, is not what hath been intended. Thus it is recorded: "Every knowledge hath seventy meanings, of which one only is known amongst the people. And when the Qá'im shall arise, He shall reveal unto men all that which remaineth." He also saith: "We speak one word, and by it we intend one and seventy meanings; each one of these meanings we can explain....."
Bahá’u’lláh, Ki tab-i-Ian, pp. 254-256
Here are a few others.
Word of God | Bahá’í Quotes
So a big topic indeed.
Regards Tony