The Priority of Reading Scripture

For Christians, regular reading of Scripture is foundational.

Blessed is the one

    who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,

or stand in the way of sinners,

    or sit in the seat of mockers;

2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and who meditates on his law day and night.

3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,

    which yields its fruit in season,

and whose leaf does not wither—

    whatever they do prospers.

-Psalm 1:1-3 (NIV)

Introduction

Having grown up in the church, I was familiar with the Scriptures but did not truly know or understand them. Nor did I have much desire to spend time studying them. By the time I entered the eleventh grade, through the encouragement of friends, I realized that studying the Bible was an essential part of my relationship with Christ. Still, it remained a challenge to engage in the discipline of reading, studying, and memorizing the Word.

In time, I would dedicate years to better understanding the Scriptures as I pursued theological study in seminary. One of the first passages I studied back in senior high school and memorized was Psalm 1. For me, it became foundational—not only for understanding the 150 Psalms, but also for grasping the message of the Old and New Testaments as a whole. Consider some of the lessons found in Psalm 1.

Warning

Knowing what to avoid in life is just as important as knowing what to pursue. In verse 1, the psalmist gives reasons for investing our time and energy in God’s law. He recognizes the many competing voices that can consume our attention, leading us to think and live contrary to God’s truth.

Such competition is everywhere today—in education, entertainment, social media, and even within the church. The company we keep can also influence our worldview in ways that hinder fellowship with Christ. This is not a call to withdraw from the world, but a sober warning to remain aware of the power and influence the world exerts over us.

Appetite

If you were to track how you spend your time each day, week, or month, you might be surprised at what truly defines your life. How we spend our hours reveals our priorities and desires. Of course, many things we do are necessary: we need sleep, nourishment, work, and exercise. We shower and dress before leaving the house because we care about how the world sees us.

But what does it take to devote ourselves to Scripture? According to the psalmist, it begins with desire. Verse 2 speaks of delight—defined by one commentator as “to firmly adhere.” Consider your own list of delights. Does the study and meditation of the Old and New Testaments make the list?

Time

One of the main reasons we fail to spend time in God’s Word is a lack of discipline. We tell ourselves we don’t have enough time. Our busy schedules make it difficult to read, study, and reflect. Yet, setting priorities is part of life. Psalm 1 calls us to place Scripture at the very top of that list—something we engage in daily, not occasionally.

Consequences

Verse 3 illustrates the blessing of a life shaped by Scripture. The psalmist compares it to a tree planted by streams of water—deeply rooted, enduring, and fruitful. Such a life prospers.

Isaiah 55:11 reminds us that God’s Word never returns empty but always accomplishes His purposes. The Hebrew word for “prospers” here means “succeeds”—in a sense far broader than financial gain. A life oriented around Scripture aligns with the mind and will of God.

For this reason the Apostle Paul echoes this truth when he writes:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

—2 Timothy 3:16–17

Chuck Garriott is the Founder and Executive Director of Ministry to State