READING OF THE SCRIPTURES

The scriptures should be read in a prayerful, reverent spirit. This is becoming, for it is the written word of God and, like the living Word of whom it speaks, a revelation from and of God. Proverbs 22: 17, 18 sets forth the way in which we should read scripture.

“Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise”. Here we find the listening and submissive ear. And as the Lord said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine”, John 7: 17.

“And apply thine heart unto my knowledge”. This is application, and supposes the heart or affections engaged with the truth. And this will be the case if we read the scripture to find Christ there.

“It is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee”. This implies meditation.

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them”, 1 Tim 4: 15.

“They shall withal be fitted in thy lips”, Prov 22: 18. “For of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh”, Luke 6: 45.

What comes from the inward parts to the lips is effectual ministry. Not from our heads, but from our whole moral being. We do well to remember this in these days of mental activity.

So the order is: Subjection, application, meditation and ministration.

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From ‘Tidings of Life and Peace’