BIBLE READING - PROFITABLE AND PLEASURABLE

How to Read the Bible

The most profitable Bible reading starts, not by reading, but by praying. Prayer is a remarkable privilege. It is as if you began perusing a book on some deep subject by calling the author for his help in understanding what you were about to read. What a tremendous advantage that can be! The Bible's Author, Jehovah, offers you that privilege. A member of the first-century governing body wrote to his brothers: "If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all and without reproaching; and it will be given him. But let him keep on asking in faith, not doubting at all." (James 1:5, 6) The modern-day Governing Body constantly exhorts us to engage in prayerful Bible reading.

Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge. So before opening your Bible, ask Jehovah to help you recognize points in your reading that need to be applied in your personal life. Associate new things learned with previous knowledge. Fit them into "the pattern of healthful words" you have come to recognize. (2 Timothy 1:13) Ponder episodes in the lives of Jehovah's servants of the past, and ask yourself how you would have acted under similar circumstances. - Genesis 39:7-9; Daniel 3:3-6, 16-18; Acts 4:18-20.

Do not read just to cover pages. Take your time. Dwell on what you are reading. When intrigued by a certain point, look up the cross references if your Bible contains such. if the point is still not clear, make a note to do further research later. As you read, mark the texts you especially want to remember or copy them. You may also add personal notes and cross references to the margin. For texts you feel you may someday need in your preaching and teaching work, note the key word and check in the index of Bible words at the back of your Bible.

Next time: Make Bible Reading a Delight

Watchtower, 2000