The Bible claims to be perfect, inspired revelation from God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). Its words are powerful (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible is the most published book in the history of the world. It has been translated into more languages than any book in the world. Its teachings have changed more nations and lives than any other literary work in history. These and many other reasons make a compelling case that reading and understanding the Bible is important.
Spiritually, the Bible reveals truth that is important for our daily lives. So understanding the Bible matters. For example, Psalm 1:2-3 teaches that the person who meditates on God's Word day and night is blessed.
The church leader Timothy was taught to devote himself to reading Scripture: "Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching" (1 Timothy 4:13). Joshua was commanded that meditating on God's Word would give him success: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success" (Joshua 1:8).
Another reason understanding the Bible is important is because its words are eternal. Isaiah 40:8 teaches, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever." Jesus taught in Matthew 5:18, "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished."
Still another reason to understand the Bible is because of its power to bring us to maturity. Second Timothy 3:16-17 reveals, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." Scripture helps us to learn and grow in ways that help us to live God's will for our lives.
Another benefit of understanding the Bible is that it increases our wisdom. Psalm 19:7 notes, "the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple." Deuteronomy 4:6 adds, "Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples."
Finally, the psalmist proclaims there is great benefit or reward in knowing and obeying God's Word, "More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:10-11).
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