What does the Bible say about study?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible commends diligent, humble study as a means of knowing God, growing in wisdom, and being equipped to live and speak faithfully. Believers are called to handle God’s word rightly (2 Timothy 2:15), search the Scriptures carefully like the Bereans (Acts 17:11), and look to them as God’s witness to Christ (John 5:39). True learning begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and requires a teachable heart (Proverbs 9:9; 18:15). Study should also shape the mind toward what is true, honorable, and pure (Philippians 4:8), deepen gracious knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18), and prepare Christians to give a gentle, reverent defense of their hope (1 Peter 3:15).
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- 2 Timothy 2:15 14 votes
Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.
- Philippians 4:8 7 votes
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
- Proverbs 18:15 6 votes
The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
- Acts 17:11 6 votes
Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.
- 1 Peter 3:15 5 votes
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear,
- John 5:39 5 votes
“You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me.
- Proverbs 9:9 4 votes
Instruct a wise person, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous person, and he will increase in learning.
- Proverbs 1:7 4 votes
The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge, but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
- Ecclesiastes 7:25 3 votes
I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.
- 2 Peter 3:18 3 votes
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
Related topics
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about study and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about study