All Scripture of God-breathed (2Tim.
3:16-17), and we need to be reading all of it on a regular basis. Bible reading
plans should be systematic and comprehensive, not sporadic and selective.
Whether the entire Bible is read once a year, once every two years, or multiple
times each year, all of it matters, all of it is valuable, and all of it should
be read.
I read the Bible, Old and New Testaments,
on a daily basis, but I live in the Psalms and Proverbs. In addition to several
chapters in the OT and NT, I read (usually) 5 psalms every day and 1 chapter of
Proverbs. In this way, I can cover the entire books of Psalms and Proverbs
every month. Why do I read Psalms and Proverbs more than any other part of the
Bible? Because Psalms is the prayer book and hymn book of the Bible. It leads the
reader into worship and prayer. It vividly expresses the entire range of human
emotions and accurately describes our human experience. No matter how you are
feeling, no matter what is occurring, if you read 5 psalms, chances are you
will find one that speaks directly to your circumstances. Similarly, the Book
of Proverbs is godly wisdom for living. It expresses in practical and easy to
understand ways how we ought to live in this world, what difference the fear of
God ought to make in our lives.
Prayer, praise, and practice. This is
how Psalms and Proverbs help us. This is what we so desperately need every day.
These books are not the only thing we need, and they do not contain everything
we need. But these two books in the canon ought to fill our hearts and minds.
We need to soak in the truth of these texts and allow their words to shape our
thoughts and prayers and praise and life.
There are many ways to read Psalms and
Proverbs, but let me suggest that, however you choose to do so, you make
reading these two books a separate, daily discipline of reading in addition to the
rest of your Bible reading. You will find your heart calmed, your spirit uplifted,
and your prayers and praise of God strengthened. Read the Bible, but live in
the Psalms and Proverbs. –JME
