Should I Study the Bible?

To most people, the idea of studying their Bible seems mundane. Yet it contains much practical wisdom waiting to be discovered.

When you think of studying the Bible, what comes to mind? To most, the idea of Bible study seems mundane.

Most carelessly assume that the world’s number one bestseller—the Bible—is an irrelevant book in our modern world, where science and technology have made rapid advancements.

In the 1960s, the world’s fund of knowledge doubled from the previous decade. Today, it is doubling roughly every 18 months. Rapid technological advancement in science and communication, and the Internet boom, have millions of people hopeful that mankind will solve its problems.

But with all this wonderful so-called “advancement,” mankind seems helpless in solving its problems. Today’s world is still plagued with war, poverty and domestic strife. Nation cannot get along with nation, neighbor cannot get along with neighbor, nor husbands with wives, nor children with parents.

With all its latest technology, humanity’s problems seem to double as quickly as does knowledge.

If one wanted to become educated in science and technology, he would only need to visit the local library to become acquainted with this knowledge. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were also a book that helped humanity with its unsolvable problems?

Well, there is! It is the Holy Bible!

Mankind’s Instruction Manual

The Bible is the only book that has foretold the chaotic conditions of our present world. It is the only book that explains the meaning of world conditions and reveals the understanding, in advance, of the wonderful, peaceful, happy world to come.

Yes! Your Bible is God’s gift to mankind. It is God’s “instruction manual” for us. The Bible is the foundation of all of this world’s accumulated knowledge. Notice: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7) and “a good understanding have all they that do His Commandments” (Psalm 111:10).

This instruction book shows mankind the real purpose for human existence—why we are here. It shows us the way to achieve lasting peace, happiness and success. God’s Word gives humanity the correct approach in acquiring knowledge in the fields of history, health and education, just to name a few. It reveals principles concerning dealings with other nations, our neighbors or our spouses. It is not a book that is “outdated,” but is a book that is still relevant!

The instruction found in the Bible is practical, and will bring “good and positive” results when its principles are applied. King David had this understanding. He said, “Your word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psa. 119:105).

Young people are bombarded with all kinds of wrong attitudes and thinking. Here are some biblical principles to remember to help you avoid turmoil and navigate toward success.

If you become a diligent Bible student, you will find it is filled with practical knowledge that will help you through life.

Reveals Fatherly Counsel

The Bible is a “road map” to avoid life’s problems and spiritual landmines. This road map is set in print for us by our Father in heaven.

Our Father is the ultimate role model, One who can always be depended upon. God intended that the father in the physical family unit act in “type” as He would, in guiding, correcting and helping us achieve success in life.

Although many have been blessed with a physical father such as this, some have not. The Bible reveals that even though some of us have lacked the active role model of a fatherly figure, we all have an opportunity to be guided by the wisest Father in the universe.

Here is an example of some fatherly counsel. During my childhood, my father often told me, “Be very careful of the company or crowd that you choose to spend your time with. They can be people who strive to soar as eagles [those who fly high overhead to see the big picture] or people who strut across a busy intersection as mindless turkeys [those who follow others and easily fall into repeated troubles].”

He believed that, given enough time, people would take on the character of those with whom they associate. This advice has served me well.

Early in my calling, I was happy and surprised that what my father taught me in principle was, in fact, found in the scriptures.

God is our perfect heavenly Father, and He offers us wise advice, just as a human father should—but God’s wise advice is perfect!

Notice Proverbs 13:20-21: “He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Evil pursues [follows] sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.”

The Bible tells us to be careful of dealings with people who live by anger. Anger does not simply mean becoming angry; it can also include wrong attitudes or actions that are against God’s way of life.

If verbally confronted by such a person, we should remember to try to calm a situation before it escalates into a shouting match. Strive to heed Proverbs 15:1: “A soft [or gentle] answer turns away wrath.”

If we find ourselves in dealings with such individuals during the course of our everyday lives, we may also soon find ourselves in the middle of trouble or controversy (Prov. 22:24; 29:22). This is God’s instruction to us to avoid these situations.

But one should recognize that we could put ourselves into a “trouble trap” by not avoiding circumstances that are likely to bring bad results. The Bible shows us how to recognize and avoid riotous “trappings” that will lead to big trouble, where anger can accelerate toward anarchy, where theft, injury and even murder can result.

Notice: “My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. If they say, Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; Let us swallow them alive like Sheol [the grave], And whole, like those who go down to the pit; We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse. My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood” (Prov. 1:10-16 – NKJV).

This wise instruction certainly does not mean that we should be looking down on others as evil sinners, judging them as “bad” and thinking of ourselves as “good.” “There is none good but One, that is, God” (Matthew 19:17).

But we could help others by “letting [our] light so shine” so “they may see [our] good works, and glorify [our] Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

Instruction on Work Ethic

The famous philosopher and writer Elbert Hubbard once wrote, “If I worked for a man, I would work [for] him. I would not work for him part of the time. I would either work for him all of the time, or I would not work for him at all.”

Whether Hubbard knew it or not, this philosophy on work reflects the kind of attitude God has toward proper work ethic.

God is represented in the first two chapters of Genesis as a “Creator”—or “Worker.” Within six days, His creative work unfolded. On the sixth day, God “worked” on the first human being, designed in His image. And as God and Christ are “workers,” God created the first man, and all to come after him, to become workers as well (John 5:17). He told Adam to subdue the earth, to develop it, cultivate it and beautify it (Genesis 2:15).

This was God’s first instruction for man toward a formula for success at work! God desires that we prosper—both spiritually and materially. He desires that we enjoy the fruits of our labors.

Christ Himself said in John 10:10, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” Also notice: “I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health” (III John 2).

But in order to experience this abundance, we must practice God’s attitude toward work.

Understand that God sets the example of proper work ethic. This ethic is filled with an attitude of zeal and excitement. He expects the same from us. If we put our whole heart into our work, He promises us blessings will follow.

Notice what the Bible instructs us to do in Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might.” In order for our work to bear fruit, we must recognize that our whole mind and physical effort must be present. This is a scripture about an excited, zealous attitude!

When we follow this instruction, sooner or later, a storehouse of fruit will follow. God expects us to enjoy the results of our labor, within godly balance. “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor” (Ecc. 2:24).

How does God advise us to be worthy of receiving a pay raise? The way to receive a higher salary is to be worth more! Become a valuable employee. Steer clear of an indifferent attitude and employ an attitude of real zeal, care, concern and cooperation for your employer.

By practicing these instructions, God ensures us that we will enjoy all of the balanced abundance that life offers. The diligent will often find themselves becoming one whom the boss or manager will put in charge over others, sometimes even becoming very well-known among this world’s leaders (Prov. 12:24; 22:29).

But what if you are presently unemployed? Even if you find yourself out of work, you can apply this same work ethic principle in seeking employment.

How?

Consider making a job out of finding a job. You can set your will to do this 40 hours a week until a job is secured. Persist and be resourceful. Seek advice on all kinds of employment, even jobs that may not cater directly to your skills. It is also possible that you may find a job to which some of your skills might be adapted.

Many young people expect to start at the top. This expectation is vain and unrealistic. First, many who employ this thinking rarely find the job for which they are looking. Also, many refuse to be “lowered” into taking an entry-level position, mainly because of fear of what their peers will think. This type of thinking is absurd—and is the opposite of God’s work ethic.

God starts everything small, like a mustard seed. His Word tells us not to “despise…the day of small things” (Zech. 4:10).

If unemployed, it may be necessary to take the first job opportunity God provides. Taking an entry-level position will help build your social skills. You will learn to deal with different kinds of managers, different managing styles, and this type of job will give you the chance to work with a variety of other employees—some easy to deal with and some difficult. These experiences will help you build solid character and will assist you in finding a more desirable job opportunity down the road.

Beware of idleness. Being lazy is the direct opposite of God’s work ethic. Instead of reaping a reward in God’s blessings, the result of habitual laziness is certain failure. Notice: “Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger” (Prov. 19:15 – NKJV). Laziness begets poverty; honest, hard work will pay big dividends! Also notice Proverbs 10:4: “He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes [one] rich.”

Keep Studying!

The principles covered here are laws set in motion by our Father. They are designed for our use and for our good. They are sure! Test them. Prove them. (To prove means to test them by doing.)

The Bible is a living book. There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of principles to be discovered that are designed for our good, designed to help us along the “twists and turns” of life, to reap abundance and to avoid pitfalls.

Space does not provide the opportunity to cover all the wonderful wisdom God has laid out for you in His Word. But you can use this article as a springboard toward all of the counsel that our Father has for us in the Bible. Apply zealous prayer to your future studies. Ask God to help you understand and apply His principles.

James 1:5 records, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not [without reproach]; and it shall be given him.”

The Bible is not a book to be left on the shelf. It is God’s instruction book, and it is meant to be internalized and made part of our lives! Bible study will take on a whole new meaning when you apply its practical day-to-day instructions to your life. When applied, you will become a living example of what God teaches.

Living the Word of God is one of the most exciting experiences available to a human being. Through Bible study, God stands ready to reveal His powerful, invisible spiritual laws, which He set in motion to govern every facet of our lives—including our relationships, finance, health and overall success.

If you continue to diligently study your Bible, God will abundantly reward you!