"And they that understand among the people shall instruct many..."
Daniel 11:33a (KJV)
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."
Nehemiah 8:8 (KJV)
"Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures."
Luke 24:45 (KJV)
"...yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers:"
Isaiah 30:20b (KJV)
"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."
Amos 3:7 (KJV)
"But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth..."
Daniel 10:21a (KJV)
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"The Word of God may be taken up from various motives. Some read it to satisfy their literary pride. In certain circles it has become both the respectable and popular thing to obtain a general acquaintance with the contents of the Bible simply because it is regarded as an educational defect to be ignorant of them. Some read it to satisfy their sense of curiosity, as they might any other book of note. Others read it to satisfy their sectarian pride. They consider it a duty to be well versed in the particular tenets of their own denomination and so search eagerly for proof-texts in support of 'our doctrines'. Yet others read it for the purpose of being able to argue successfully with those who differ from them. But in all this there is no thought of God, no yearning for spiritual edification, and therefore no real benefit to the soul.
"Of what, then, does a true profiting from the Word consist? Does not 2 Timothy 3:16,17 furnish a clear answer to our question? There we read, 'All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.' Observe what is here omitted: the Holy Scriptures are given us not for intellectual gratification and carnal speculation, but to furnish unto 'all good works', and that by teaching, reproving, correcting us.
Has your study of the Bible made you more humble, or more proud-proud of the knowledge you have acquired? Has it raised you in the esteem of your fellow men, or has it led you to take a lower place before God? Has it produced in you a deeper abhorrence and loathing of self, or has it made you more complacent? Has it caused those you mingle with, or perhaps teach, to say, I wish I had your knowledge of the Bible; or does it cause you to pray, Lord give me the faith, the grace, the holiness Thou hast granted my friend, or teacher? 'Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear unto all.' (1 Timothy 6:15)."
– Arthur Pink
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
"The Bible was 'given by inspiration of God'. In this respect, it is utterly unlike all other writings. God taught the writers of it what to say. God put into their minds thoughts and ideas. God guided their pens in setting down those thoughts and ideas. When you read it, you are not reading the self-taught compositions of poor imperfect men like yourself, but the words of the eternal God. When you hear it, you are not listening to the erring opinions of short-lived mortals, but to the unchanging mind of the King of kings. The men who were employed to compose the Bible, spoke not of themselves. They 'spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost'. (2 Peter 1:21) All other books in the world, however good and useful in their way, are more or less defective. The more you look at them–the more you see their defects and blemishes. The Bible alone is absolutely perfect. From beginning to end, it is 'the Word of God'.
The man who has the Bible, and the Holy Spirit in his heart, has everything which is absolutely needful to make him spiritually wise and mature. He needs no priest to break the bread of life for him. He needs no ancient traditions, no writings of the Fathers, no voice of the Church to guide him into all truth. He has the well of truth open before him and what more can he want? Yes! though he is shut up alone in a prison, or cast on a desert island, though he never see a church, or minister, or sacrament again–if he has but the Bible, he has got the infallible guide, and needs no other. If he has but the will to read that Bible rightly, it will certainly teach him the road that leads to Heaven. It is here alone that infallibility resides. It is not in any church. It is not in the Councils. It is not in ministers. It is only in the written Word."
– JC Ryle
