When it comes to reading the Bible daily, is there any passage that calls us to read every day? I am looking for a passage that's not been taken out of context to make the point. -- Anthony Cicco (San Diego)

There is a passage which intimates daily study (Proverbs 8:34), and another mandating it for the king (Deuteronomy 17). On top of this, there is the familiar example of the Bereans (Acts 17:11), who were examining Christianity in order to see if it was true. But there is no explicit scripture requiring daily Bible study.

And yet we would not want to forget Joshua 1:8, where the leader is told to meditate on the law day and night. Now reading is not just for national leaders; Psalms 119 exhorts all of us to delight in and meditate on and devote ourselves to the word of God. The point I would make is that in our day, when Bibles are relatively inexpensive and affordable for most Christians, why wouldn't anyone want to read daily? It is such a privilege.

I know of no better way to study and appreciate the scriptures. I know of no better way to get the 'big picture' and go deeper theologically. I heartily recommend daily study to all. And yet reading is not a work justifying us in the sight of God. Ideally, we should read because we want to. And yet great benefit can also accrue when we form a good habit--one that sustains us whether we "feel" like it or not.

The lack of zeal for the scriptures prevalent among so many wearing the name of Christ is truly shocking. We need to be sobered by the biblical illiteracy of our generation--and I am not just referring to those outside the community of Christ. Verses like Hosea 4:6, Hosea 8:12, Jeremiah 8:7, Jeremiah 15:16 and many others need to challenge us to the quick. For knowing the word is essential to knowing the Lord (1 Samuel 3:7).

In summary, there is no biblical command for daily Bible study. (Now, if you had asked about daily prayer, that would be another matter!) And yet daily study is a healthy habit. I would urge all my readers to commit themselves to this life-giving practice until the day of their death.

This article is copyrighted and is for private use and study only. © 2004. Reprints or public distribution is prohibited without the express consent of Douglas Jacoby.