I have hidden (memorized) your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
David was a teenager – the youngest of Jesse’s sons. He was anointed by the prophet Samuel to one day become king of Israel. In the meantime, he spent his time out in the wilderness tending to his father’s sheep, killing lions and bears, becoming and expert marksman with a sling, learning to play the lyre (a hand-held harp) and composing songs which he thought that he, only, would hear. He also would have been able to read the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Numbers). Those were the books he hid in his heart so as to live a godly life.
In the New Testament there is a young preacher named Timothy. His mentor was the apostle Paul who wrote instructions as to how to most effectively live a Christian life. One of the major points is his teaching regarding the importance of Scripture.
Put simply, Scripture is good for thinking about:
- Doctrine: to learn what is right – Philippians 4:8-9
- Reproof: to learn what is not right – Psalm 119:11
- Correction: how to get it right – Psalm 51:10
- Instruction in righteousness: how to keep it right – Ephesians 4:22-24
In the process of having the mind of Christ, think on these things (Philippians 2:5, 4:8). Pick one of the verses listed on this page to see if you can memorize it.