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How to Read the Bible

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The Bible is the most
widely distributed book in the world.
Yet, many find the idea of reading it
a little intimidating, even overwhelming.
If that’s the way you feel, you’re not alone.
Here are some tips to get started reading
—and enjoying—the Bible.
First, choose a modern,
reliable translation that’s easy to read.
Some popular Bibles
were translated hundreds of years ago
and use language
that can be hard to follow today.
A modern translation
that uses today’s language
can make the Scriptures
easier to understand.
For example, the New World
Translation of the Holy Scriptures
is one of the most reliable
and clear translations of the Bible.
Next, pick a place to start.
You might think,
‘Why not just start at the beginning?’
You can do that,
but the Bible is really a collection
of 66 smaller books.
Some contain history,
while others include poetry or visions
and prophecies.
Rather than reading the Bible cover to cover,
some start with the books
they find more interesting or appealing.
For example, if you enjoy poetry,
you can dive into the Psalms,
a rich collection
of beautiful poems and practical advice.
Another good starting point
is the book of Mark
—a short, fast-moving account
of the life of Jesus Christ.
If you read Mark
for just a few minutes each day,
it could take you less than ten days
to finish the entire account.
Listen to an audio Bible.
It can bring Bible accounts to life
and make them easier to understand.
“And when he entered Jerusalem,
“the whole city was in an uproar, saying:
“‘Who is this?’
“The crowds kept saying:
“‘This is the prophet Jesus,
from Nazareth of Galilee!’”
If an audio version
is available in your language,
take advantage of it
so you can listen to the Bible anytime.
To find answers to specific Bible questions,
you can also try this:
Use a study guide.
You can find one on jw.org.
This will help you find scriptures
related to a subject that’s important to you,
such as how to cope with stress.
You can also read or download
the New World Translation
of the Holy Scriptures,
an easy-to-read Bible translation
that includes many helpful study tools.
It is available for free
in hundreds of languages.
However you choose to read it,
you’ll find the Bible is worth exploring.
It contains practical advice
that transcends any time or culture
and provides insight
into some of life’s biggest questions.
Millions have found that reading the Bible
is not just rewarding but life-changing.
Why not give it a try?
To learn more about the Bible, go to jw.org.