The Effects of Reading the Bible

Biblefaith
Written By Madison Metcalf

There is no book more popular than the Bible. Currently, with over 7.5 billion copies in circulation, the Bible is close to having a copy for every person on the planet. As the world’s most translated book, parts of it are available in nearly half of the world’s 6,500 languages, which makes it accessible to approximately 90 percent of the global population.

The Word is out there. But how does engaging with the Word really affect our lives? Does reading or hearing it truly make a difference? A study by the Center for Bible Engagement reveals some fascinating and surprising answers that shed light on the effects Bible engagement can have on us.

One or Two Days in the Word

In an extensive research project, the Center for Bible Engagement polled 40,000 individuals ranging in age from 8 to 80. The study aimed to measure how people engage with Scripture. And while the research was initially intended to assess general Bible usage, it made a discovery that was more profound than the researchers had anticipated.

The study found that when people engaged with the Bible just once a week—whether through a church service or individual reading—there was essentially no noticeable impact on their lives. The same result held true for those who engaged with the Bible twice a week. Although these people may have felt good about their efforts, the study revealed that this level of engagement didn’t bring about significant changes in their behavior or well-being.

Four Days in the Word

However, things took a dramatic turn when individuals began engaging with the Bible at least four times a week. While one or two days didn’t bring much change, something remarkable happened when people read or listened to Scripture four times a week. The impact was undeniable and substantial.

The findings from the study showed a dramatic shift in several areas of life. The effects were so striking that they defied expectations. Here are some key statistics that demonstrate just how powerful engaging with Scripture can be:

  • Feeling lonely dropped by 30%.

  • Anger issues decreased by 32%.

  • Bitterness in relationships dropped by 40%.

  • Alcoholism fell by 57%.

  • Sex outside of marriage dropped by 68%.

  • Feeling spiritually stagnant decreased by 60%.

  • Viewing pornography decreased by 61%.

  • Sharing your faith jumped by 200%.

  • Discipling others increased by 230%.

These findings are nothing short of astonishing. When individuals engaged with the Bible at least four times a week, there were measurable improvements in emotional health, relationships, and even behaviors. This goes beyond reading the Bible for intellectual purposes or to "check off" a daily habit. It’s about true, transformative engagement with God’s Word.

Why it Matters

One of the most important takeaways from the study is the stark reality that engaging with the Bible less than four times a week has minimal, if any, real-world effect. People who engage with Scripture one to three days a week show essentially the same impact on their lives as those who do not engage with it at all. While they may feel like they’re being "good Christians," there’s no sustainable change in their lives.

This brings to mind the words of Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” This verse reminds us of the timeless, unshakable power of God’s Word. When we engage with it regularly and deeply, it has the potential to change us at a fundamental level. But just skimming through Scripture once or twice a week isn’t enough to experience that lasting change.

Regular Bible engagement invites God to speak directly into our lives, giving us wisdom, strength, and encouragement. It helps us to grow in our relationship with Him and with others, transforming our hearts and minds and aligning our hearts with God’s will.

Staying Consistent

The study’s findings emphasize the importance of consistency in Bible reading. Just like any other relationship, developing a strong relationship with God requires time and commitment. Engaging with Scripture four or more times a week isn’t just about following a rule—it’s about cultivating an intimate connection with God that will result in real change.

It’s clear from the research that God’s Word isn’t meant to be a passive experience. As we immerse ourselves in the Bible regularly, we will experience more profound transformation in our lives, strengthening our faith, our relationships, and our ability to navigate life’s challenges with an understanding of who God is and who we are in Him.

References:

Madison Metcalf https://www.metcalfministries.com
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