Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Bible Verses About Reading the Bible
The Bible often speaks about itself — as a lamp for the path, as food for the soul, and as something to read, remember and live by. These verses encourage reading scripture regularly and putting it into practice.
16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Why read the Bible?
Scripture describes itself as useful for teaching and training, as a light for the path, and as living and active. Reading it is pictured less as a duty and more as nourishment — people do not live on bread alone.
Reading and doing
The Bible repeatedly links reading with doing: meditating on the word day and night, and being doers of the word rather than hearers only. A simple start is one chapter a day, slowly, with a question: what does this show me about God, and what can I do today?
Common questions
What does the Bible say about reading the Bible?
It encourages reading and meditating on scripture regularly (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1) and describes it as useful for teaching and training (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Where should I start reading the Bible?
Many people begin with a Gospel such as John or Mark, then Psalms and Proverbs. A guided reading plan can help.
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Scripture from King James Version. King James Version, public domain.