Why Should I Read the Bible?

Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes

It is a fair question. The Bible is a long, ancient, and sometimes difficult book. In a world full of podcasts, endless streaming, and instant answers, why would anyone commit to reading a library of texts written thousands of years ago?

Is it just a religious rule? Is it a history book? Or is it something more?

Whether you are a sceptic, a seeker, or a long-time believer who has lost their rhythm, the answer is the same. You shouldn't read the Bible just because you have to. You should read it because of what it does.

Here are five reasons why opening this book might be the best decision you make in 2026.

In short:

Why is it important to read the Bible?
Reading the Bible is important because it is the primary way to know God's character and understand His plan for humanity. Beyond its spiritual significance, it offers practical wisdom for daily life, provides comfort in difficult times, and shapes our moral compass. It is also the foundational text of Western culture, meaning that reading it helps us understand history, art, and literature more deeply.

5 Reasons to Read the Bible

1. To Know the Author

If you received a letter from someone who claimed to love you, would you leave it unopened? Christians believe the Bible is God's "self-disclosure." We can learn about God from nature (His power) or philosophy (His existence), but we only learn who He is from the Bible. It tells us that He is not a distant force, but a personal Father who is slow to anger and abounding in love. You read it to meet Him.

2. To Find Your True North

We live in a "post-truth" world. Cultural values shift like sand. What is "right" today might be "wrong" tomorrow. The Bible offers something rare: an unchanging standard. It acts as a compass. When you are confused about forgiveness, integrity, money, or love, Scripture gives you a True North that doesn't move with the trends. It anchors you when the world feels chaotic.

3. To Gain Wisdom (Not Just Knowledge)

We are drowning in information, but we are starving for wisdom. Google can tell you how to build a house; the Bible tells you how to build a home. The book of Proverbs, for example, is a masterclass in emotional intelligence. It covers how to handle anger, how to be a good friend, and the dangers of pride. Reading the Bible makes you wiser in your relationships, your work, and your decision-making.

4. To Understand Our World

Even if you aren't religious, you cannot fully understand the world without the Bible. It is the foundation of Western civilisation. From the speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. to the plays of Shakespeare and the art of Michelangelo, biblical stories are woven into our history and culture. To read the Bible is to understand the "why" behind much of our laws, human rights, and literature.

5. Because It Offers Peace

This is perhaps the most practical reason of all. We live in an anxious age. The Bible is full of people who faced fear, failure, and danger—and found peace in the middle of it. When Jesus says, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you" (John 14:27), he is offering a resource that the world cannot duplicate. Reading Scripture shifts your focus from your temporary problems to eternal promises.

Where Do I Even Start?

If you are convinced why you should read it, the next question is how. You don't need to start at page one. We recommend starting with the Gospel of Mark to see the life of Jesus, or the Psalms to find words for your emotions.

And you need a Bible you can actually understand. If you find the "thees and thous" difficult, look for a modern translation like the NIV or NLT.

Find Your Perfect First Bible Here

The Bible has changed millions of lives over thousands of years. Why not see what it can do for yours?

Not sure which Bible is right for you? You can learn more in our complete, free 97-page ebook, 'How to Choose Your Bible'.