M.O.M.'s Mailbox- Bible Reading

Question- I have a question about bible reading. I read through the proverbs on a monthly basis in the mornings ... but I seem to never really be able to capture it. I dont know if its because I am doing it just after waking up, or if I am feeling rushed to make sure I have time to do everything else required of getting ready, but a lot of the time I will think of what I was reading and not really be able to recall it as well as I should. Is there something I am doing wrong? Should I get ready, so that Im awake and then come back and read? 


Answer- Reading the Word is profitable at all times. I even enjoy listening to the Bible on tape when I am busy with housework or in the car. However, it is our studying of the Word that is critical for our growth. We were given a directive to study His Word.  (2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.) I would encourage you to have some time each day to use your concordance, commentary, and dictionary along with your Bible reading. Even if you think you know what a word means, look it up! We use the Strongs Concordance, Matthew Henry Commentary, the Noah Websters 1828 Dictionary, and my journal. We normally do all our Bible reading from the KJV or the New Geneva translations. 


Reading the Proverbs of the day is excellent! I have read it to my children for over 21 years now. I remember a time when they asked if we could be 'done' with Proverbs. I replied, "Sure we can.. just as soon as you think we have mastered it." They sighed, looked at me sweetly and said, "keep reading". There is so much wisdom in Proverbs, life warnings,  that I need to be reminded of daily. 


Let me share with you and others how to study using the tools I mentioned above. I realize that not everyone uses these resources. I am simply sharing what we do here in our home. 


If you were to read Proverbs 18 (we read the Proverbs that represents the day of the month)
I would read through the chapter once all the way through
Next, I take each verse (or if time is limited just the first verse and next month the second, and the next month the third and so forth) and look up each word in the Strongs concordance.The first part of the book is set up much like a dictionary. You can look up the word and then the verse you were reading that word from. Over on the right side you will see a reference number.  Keep in mind that the concordance is divided up between Greek (New Test. ) and Hebrew (Old Test) Now, go to the back of the book and look for the section you need. For Proverbs we would look under the Hebrew section and find your reference number. At this point you are going to find your word written in it's original language with a variety of possible meanings. 


Now take your journal and write out the verse as you see it in your Bible then below it write out the words you have looked up and their meanings. Next, take some of those words and look them up in the 1828 dictionary and write down their meanings. If you desire rewrite your verse using the words from the concordance or meanings from the dictionary in a way that it makes it personal to you. 


Lastly, get your commentary and read their thoughts (remember they are just another humans thoughts but can be very enlightening, and encouraging!) Write down anything that you read that you felt the Lord was talking to you about. 


That's it! That's how we Study the Word. I would encourage you to start and let me know how it goes! I would love to hear from you. Feel free to share any  other questions you might come across. We are here to encourage one another all for His glory! 
With much love,