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This is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

You might have the idea that if you take pen in hand and open the Bible and start in Genesis and work your way through to Revelation, you’ll have it all put together. You’ll not only understand everything about God, you’ll understand all the mysteries, right? Wrong!

This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: That they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 9:23–24)

Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. (Joshua 1:8)

Some of you are getting downright serious about Bible study. Good for you! Since that is true, you need to get hold of some tools that will help you do that. I call these tools abuse-busters!

They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. (Nehemiah 8:8)

How about five simple rules for accurately handling Scripture? Each includes a different word—what, who, why, where, and when.

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:14–16)

What benefits come my way when I rely on this marvellous Book?

If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. (Psalm 119:92)

“Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:9)

Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. (1 Corinthians 8:2)

Here are three principles to help us stay balanced and be wise in our pursuit of knowledge.

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Psalm 1:1–3)

I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. (Philippians 1:9–10)