6

The Reading of The Holy Scriptures

Truth, not eloquence, is to be sought for in reading the holy Scriptures. Each word of the Scriptures must be read with the same spirit in which it was written. We should search the Scriptures for those things that will give us spiritual benefits rather than superior speech.

We should read plain and devout books as willingly as high sounding and profound ones. Do not be offended by the authority of the writer, whether a person of great or small  learning, but let the love of pure truth encourage you to read.

Do not search for who spoke this or that, but focus on what was said. People pass away, but the truth of the Lord remains forever. God speaks to us in different ways, without respect of those through whom He speaks. Our own curiosity often hinders us when we read the Scriptures, causing us to waste time examining and discussing things that we should simply read and pass over without undue attention.

If you desire to benefit from the Scriptures, read with humility, simplicity, and faithfulness—never with a desire to become known as a Bible scholar.

Inquire willingly and listen without speaking to the words men and women, and do not dislike the parables of the elders, for the stores are not told without good reasons.