BIBLE READING-PROFITABLE AND PLEASURABLE

Bible Reading- A Priority

Wise King Solomon wrote: "Take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh." (Ecclesiastes 12:12) One might add that the reading of many books publishes today is not only wearisome to the flesh but, frankly, dangerous to the mind. So it is important to be selective. In addition to reading our Bible study publications, we need to read the Bible itself. The founding editor of this magazine wrote to his readers: "Never forget that the Bible is our Standard and that however God - given our help may be they are 'helps' and not substitutes for the Bible." Hence, while not neglecting the Bible-based publications, we need to read the Bible itself.

Conscious of this need, for years now "the faithful and discreet slave" has scheduled Bible reading as a part of the Theocratic Ministry School program in each congregation. (Matthew 24:45) The present Bible reading program covers the entire Bible in a period of about seven years. This schedule is beneficial for all but particularly so for new ones who have never read the Bible in its entirety. Those who attend the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead for missionaries and for the Ministerial Training School as well as new members of the Bethel family are required to read the whole Bible in one year. Whatever schedule you follow, as an individual or as a family, meeting it requires giving priority to Bible reading.

Next time: What Do Your Reading Habits Reveal?

Watchtower, 2000