Digging for treasure

The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6

Profitable Bible study involves more than just opening to a chapter and reading what’s there. Here are seven guidelines to help you make the most of your study of the Bible.

1. Set aside a regular time. Unless you schedule it, you’ll neglect it.

2. Before you start reading, ask God for help and understanding.

3. Carefully think about what you are reading. Not all of the Bible’s treasures lie like pebbles on the surface. To mine the gold, you have to dig.

4. Seek to understand what the author was saying to the first people who read the book or letter before you decide how to apply it today.

5. Write down at least one truth or principle you can put into practice.

6. Try different translations of the Bible. If you find yourself skimming over familiar words, a new translation may focus your mind on the passage in a new way.

7. Don’t get discouraged. Some parts of the Bible are more interesting than others, and some you may not understand at all. But there’s enough that you can understand, and it will revolutionize your life if you apply it.

Now read today’s verses again with these principles in mind. Then try it again tomorrow. You will begin to discover the treasures in the Bible. – Haddon Robinson

When reading God’s Word, take special care

To find the rich treasures hidden there;

Give thought to each line, each precept clear,

Then practice it well with godly fear. – Anon.

READ: Proverbs 2:1-9

The Bible’s treasures are found by those who dig for them.

The Bible in one year:

• Zechariah 5-8

• Revelation 19