Literal vs. plain-sense biblical interpretation: read as intended, not mechanically literal

Mike uses the adage: "if the plain sense makes sense, seek no other sense." David and Goliath is meant literally; "I make my bed swim with tears" (Psalm 6) is obviously hyperbole. He recommends reading in context — full books and chapters — to identify genre signals for metaphor or symbolism. Cautions that "do you take the Bible literally?" is a trick question, since the right answer is to take it as intended.