How Often Should I Read the Bible?

Scripture doesn’t say how often I should read the Bible. God hasn’t prescribed a set number of days per week or a specific amount of time. There’s no eleventh commandment that reads “Thou shalt read the Bible five days a week for twenty minutes.” (Also see “Why are there So Many Bible Translations?”) 

So, what does God say about this? How much time should we spend in Scripture. Consider this:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.  Psalm 1:1-2 NIV

And this one like it:

Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8 NIV

Obviously, it’s not possible to constantly read the Bible and do nothing else. Instead, these Scriptures – and others – describe the type of relationship we should have with God’s Word. We should spend enough time in the Bible to know God’s Word intimately. To be able to bring it to mind at any time and think about God’s truths. To understand the world through the lens of Scripture. (Also see “5 Probing Questions to Meditate on God’s Word.”)

Why We Should Read the Bible 

Ponder this… The primary way we learn about and hear from God is through His Word. We spend time with God by reading, reflecting on, sitting in, talking with Him about, and applying His Word. The amount of time we spend doing these things reveals our desire to know and relate to God. Little time, little desire. More time, more desire. (Also see “4 Ways to Apply God’s Word.”)

Jesus equated abiding in Him with abiding in and obeying His Word (John 15:7, 10). If I want to stay intimately connected to Jesus, I will devote myself to knowing and obeying His Word. 

Perhaps it will help to look at a small sample of how God uses His Word in our lives:

• To guide (Psalm 119:5)
• To give wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• To build a solid foundation for life (Matthew 7:24-25)
• To teach, rebuke, correct, and train us (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• To refine us spiritually and make us more like Jesus (Romans 12:2)
• To give discernment of God’s will (Romans 12:2)
• To judge our thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12)

If I neglect God’s Word, I forfeit guidance, wisdom, a firm foundation, spiritual growth, knowledge of God’s will, and most importantly intimacy with God.

Balance Grace and Discipline 

So, back to my first question… How often should we read the Bible? I can’t give you a number. But I will say we must prioritize it. Because if we don’t, we will rarely – if ever – open the cover. However, I also want to caution against legalism. I’ve been there, when daily Bible reading was a box to check. Literally. 

Don’t misunderstand me. We must be disciplined. If you don’t currently spend regular time in the Bible, you must start with discipline and commitment (1 Timothy 4:7-8). In my experience, as you spend time in God’s Word your desire will grow. But we must start. And if you spend a little time reading the Bible, commit to growing that time.

But also give yourself grace. Different seasons of life present different demands. Even illness, kids, and a rough night’s sleep overwhelm during lighter seasons. If you miss a few days – or even more – simply come back. Make a plan, work the plan, but keep a balance between grace and discipline.

A Few Practical Tips

It’s hard to give blanket advice because it really depends on your current level of Bible reading. But here’s some general suggestions:

• If you’re just getting started, start small. Try for fifteen minutes, three times a week. Check out this post “Only Have 15 Minutes for a Quiet Time” for some more direction.
• If you are reading some but it’s sporadic, commit to 3 times a week and work to make it a solid habit.
• If you currently have a solid habit of a specific number of days per week, add a day.
• Develop a routine that’s workable for you. No matter where you are in building your reading habit, a routine is vital to keep it up. Find a time of day, a place, and length of time that will consistently work for you.
• Remember that it’s about growing in your knowledge of and love for God.

Want to get started reading for the first time? Or maybe you’re ready to up your reading game? Here are a few posts to help:

• 7 Tips to Start or Restart a Quiet Time with God
• 8 Tips for Fostering Consistency in Your Quiet Time
• 12 Ways to Stay Motivated to Read the Bible
• If you’d like a little guidance to read & study the Bible, try one of my “meaty” Deep Rooted devotionals. The newest volume is through John’s Gospel, but there are also volumes through Mark, Acts, Romans, and Hebrews.

What’s the End Goal? How Often Should I Read the Bible?

We will never be able to plumb the depths of God’s Word in this life. However, we should try. I want God’s truth to be thoroughly woven into every part of my life so that I can quickly recognize lies. I long for my thoughts, motivations, and desires to be an outflow of God’s heart and character, not my own. That means I must keep my mind saturated with His Word. I must be so filled with God’s truth that there’s no room left for the ways and values of the world to creep in. 

I am not there yet, but I am trying. What about you? Where are you in your relationship with God’s Word? Where do you want to be? What next step will you take?