Why should we study the Bible?

There are many reasons. We have room for only a few here. Self Improvement: Reading the Bible can be likened to peering into a mirror (James 1:23–25). The message recorded in God’s Word has the power to allow us to see ourselves as we really

are. It “pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12). In other words, it divides what we appear to be on the outside from what we really are on the inside. It shows us where changes are needed, just as a mirror does.

The Bible not only reveals where adjustments need to be made but also helps us to make those adjustments. The apostle Paul wrote: “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:15–17).

If we need to look regularly in a mirror to ensure that our appearance is acceptable, how much more so must we read God’s Word, the Bible, on a regular basis?

Success in Life: Upon appointing Joshua to lead the nation of Israel, Jehovah God told him: “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8). Yes, to be successful, Joshua needed to read God’s Word “day and night,” on a regular basis.

The first psalm likewise extols the benefits of regular Bible reading when it states: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper” (Psalms 1:1–3). Surely we want to be like such a man.

Practical Wisdom: Because the Bible is inspired by God, it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Yes, the Bible is a practical book. It reflects a keen understanding of human nature. No wonder, for its Author, the Eternal God, is the Creator! He understands our thinking and emotions better than we do. Furthermore, God knows what we need in order to be happy. He also knows what pathways we should avoid.

Some Bible principles deal with family life, work habits, and relationships with others. The Bible’s principles apply to all people, and its counsel is always beneficial. The wisdom found in the Bible is summarized by God’s words through the prophet Isaiah: “Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go” (Isaiah 48:17).

Remaining in God’s Love: Learning about God is a vital step in drawing closer to Him. It is a process that should never stop. If you were outside on a very cold night warming yourself with a fire, would you let the flames dwindle and then die out? No. You would keep adding fuel to keep the fire burning bright and hot. Your very life might be at stake! As wood fuels a fire, so “…out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).