Psalm 119:11

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

One of the ways God grows our souls is through study — specifically Bible study. Regular engagement with Scripture is a vital part of our spiritual lives.

Here are a few principles I’ve culled together from different sources — principles for reading Scripture.

Seven principles for reading Scripture:

1. The Bible is the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God. The Scriptures are the revelation of God to mankind. God is the source of Scripture; it is God-breathed (2 Tim. 3:16-17). This is the source of Scripture’s authority in our lives. I really think this is where we will have to make our stand moving forward. We submit to the authority of God’s Word rather than contorting it to match what our culture says. In fact, we should expect the living and holy God to say things that are radically contrary to the messages we hear elsewhere.
2. Let scripture interpret scripture. The Bible is a literary whole; no part of the Bible may be interpreted so as to contradict another part. We should not rush too quickly to consult commentaries and other resources as we study. Rather, we should let the Bible interpret itself.
3. Read for context. Every text has a context and context always matters. Don’t rush to application too quickly. Instead of immediately asking, “What does this mean to me?” we would do better to ask, “What did this mean to the original reader?” This is the best guard against eisegesis (reading one’s presuppositions and opinions onto a biblical text).
4. Read with an eye toward “matters of first importance” (1 Cor. 15). Not all passages are to be weighted equally. For example, the words of counsel Job receives from his friends are patently false in some places. Yet, those words are “in the Bible.” But we should not put them on par with other sections of scripture where God or Jesus is speaking truth.
5. Read with an eye toward genre. It has been said that the Bible is a library. It is filled with poetry, narrative, proverbs, prophecy, apocalyptic, epistles, and songs. Different genres are to be read on their own terms. It is always good to know which part of the library you’re in.
6. Read with an eye toward the plain sense of the text. This is the “golden rule” of biblical interpretation: “When the plain sense of the scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense.” God’s truth rarely requires a special code to understand. (Except maybe Revelation.) God intends for His Word to be accessible. Scholars and preachers and teachers may aid in our interpretation, but they are not necessary for our understanding. As a general rule, the simplest interpretation is to be preferred.
7. Read with an eye toward Good News. I favor the most redemptive reading possible in light of the awesome redemption story of Jesus Christ, a man who wouldn’t stay in the tomb. We would do well to remember that the Scriptures testify about Jesus (John 5:39). This is incredibly helpful to me. I’m always going to favor the interpretation that most aligns with the idea of good news, which is my own personal safeguard against the extremes of legalism and permissiveness.

I love what the young boy Samuel says in 1 Samuel 3:10, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” I think this should be our prayer as we open our Bibles. We should be asking God to speak and asking for the humility to listen — to truly heed His Word.