I am sure that we have all heard the above phrase at some point in time. It can serve as an
interesting topic of discussion for those who enjoy swapping information on the latest of literary
offerings. I was amused to hear the story of a lady who emphatically confronted a preacher who
was using the King James Version of the Bible. She vehemently stated that she could not
understand the language used in the KJV, and that he should trade for a more modern version.
Shortly after this discussion she was overheard raving about how wonderful it was that a club she
had joined was reading the original works of William Shakespeare. Someone commented to her
that they did not enjoy reading Shakespeare because they did not understand the language and
wished that someone would modernize his writings. She of course gasps in horror that someone
would try to modernize the works of William Shakespeare. Do we see the inconsistency in this
story. Both the language of the KJV and the language of the original works of Shakespeare are
relatively the same. When it comes to understanding and studying her Bible she excuses herself
by claiming that she cannot understand a language that she perfectly understands when it is used
in secular material.
There are two thoughts I want to explore from this account. First of all let us note that with this
woman, the problem is not an inability to understand the language but rather a problem of will and
desire. When it comes to our efforts to study the scriptures, the biggest barrier to overcome is our
will to do it. Often we start out with great intentions, only to find ourselves falling short due to one
excuse or another. Maybe we claim the language is to hard, or we don't have the time. Maybe
part of the problem is that we set too large of a goal. Now don't misunderstand me, I am not
opposed to an organized or systematic reading through the Bible using a reading schedule that
maybe takes you through the scriptures in a year. (Nor am I saying that reading through the Bible
in a year is an unrealistic goal, many read many more pages from secular works in less time than
a year.) However, sometimes we start one of those schedules and then the moment we get a little
off schedule we become discouraged and quit. Maybe a more realistic goal would be "I'm going
to read my Bible everyday." Regardless of whether I can read all, part, or maybe even more than
a reading schedule demands, my determination will reside in the fact that I am going to read my
Bible every day. Be determined that nothing is going to interfere with your study of the Scriptures.
(Acts 17:11) Note that if the woman in our story had shared the same desire for the Word of God
as she did for "Bill" Shakespeare then she would not have let language or any other obstacle
interfere with her study of the Scriptures. We all need to take an honest look at ourselves and
determine whether we have a legitimate difficulty or whether our excuses and challenges, wreak
of inconsistency. I cannot claim to have time to read the Sports Page but no time to read the
Bible. If you can find time to read any of the works of men, then you can find time to explore the
Word of God. If you have time to read this publication, you have time to read your Bible as well.
If you have a fondness for the works of William Shakespeare and can understand the language
he wrote in, then you can understand the Scriptures regardless of what accurate translation you
are using.
The second point is much simpler. You may be saying to yourself, I can't understand the KJV
or William Shakespeare! If that's the case then maybe an easier translation is in order. Don't
become so discouraged with the language of the KJV that you quit studying all together. The New
King James, American Standard, and New American Standard are all good translations that will
help you if you have a difficulty with the language of the KJV. The point being, don't let a
language barrier stop you from studying your Bible. Find a translation that is accurate and yet
reads in a way that you can comprehend the message of God. When Jesus perceived that there
were those who were not understanding his message, (whatever the reason might be) he chose to
speak to them in parables that they might understand. (Matthew 13:13) It is not God's desire that
his Word confuse us. Jesus wanted his message to be understood. (Matthew 15:10) The same
can be said today. God sent his Word to be understood. If you have a desire and will to learn,
you can learn. It starts with the will and desire and grows from there. The abilities of each of us
will differ when it comes to memorizing passages, being able to explain certain thoughts in
Scripture, but rest assured that we all can understand what the will of God is, and can obey it as
he desires. If you need a more modern translation to help, find an accurate one and use it. Just
don't begin the process of excusing yourself from Bible study because of a fear that we cannot
understand the Scriptures. God never intended his Word to be solely for those of superior
intellect. (I'm living proof of that) He wants all of us to spend time studying and learning from his
Word.
So the next time someone says, "have you read any good books lately," say yes I have, it's
God's Word in which we call "The Bible."