D. Gene West is the author of this article. It appeared in the March 15, 1973 edition of The Bible Herald, which was published by the Bible Herald Corporation in Parkersburg, West Virginia.
We suggest that in order for the Bible to be enjoyed and appreciated, it must be read and studied. There is an old proverb, "the proof of the pudding is in the tasting." This is true. The enjoyment and appreciation of a meal is in the eating. The enjoyment and appreciation of art is in the beholding. The enjoyment of music is in the playing and listening. The enjoyment in any field of study is in the studying. We do not enjoy anything in which we are not involved. The Bible itself reveals this to us.
In Psalm 1, the writer says of the "blessed man," "But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." The man who delights in the Bible meditates on the Bible. After a while, this becomes a somewhat circular activity. In meditating on the Word of God we find enjoyment and that enjoyment brings further meditation or study. Not only does it become and endless activity but it is one that is very beneficial spiritually. The Psalmist said, "I delight to do Thy will o my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalm 40:8; 119:11).
It is a sin against God for us to fail to study the Bible. "Study to show thyself approved unto God..." (2 Timothy 2:15). But it is not only a sin against God, it is also a sin against ourselves! Man robs himself if he neglects his study of the Word. He robs himself of the privilege of reading sublime literature, of knowing the revealed mind of God and of finding the way to everlasting peace, happiness, contentment and salvation. He robs himself of the privilege of getting to know God. This perhaps, is not recognized by many people today but it has been in times past.
Let us note some of the testimony of some great men on this truth. Dr. William Llyon Phelps, noted educator said, "...I thoroughly believe in a university education for both men and women; but I believe a knowledge of the Bible without a college education is more valuable than a college course without the Bible." Thomas Jefferson stated, "I have always said and will always say, that the studious perusal of the sacred volume will make better homes, better citizens, better fathers and better husbands." Woodrow Wilson, "A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived himself of a knowledge of the Bible." Emmanuel Kant, a German philosopher said, "The existence of the Bible as a book for the people is the greatest benefit which the human race has ever experienced." Sir Isaac Newton, "I account the scriptures of God the most sublime philosophy." Patrick Henry said of the Bible, There is a Book worth all other books in the world." Franklin D. Roosevelt said, "I feel that a comprehensive study of the Bible is a liberal education for anyone. Nearly all the great men of our country have been well versed in teachings of the Bible and I sincerely hope that the habit of Bible study will be developed among the people."
If we would enjoy the Bible, we should take the advice of the unknown writer who said, "Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy." The apostle Paul said of the citizens of Berea, "Now these were more noble minded that those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men" (Acts 17:11-12).
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