CHAPTER5 Reading the Holy Scripture

BOOK1-TABLE OF CONTENTS:
chapter1-imitating-christ-and-despising
chapter2-having-a-humble-opinion-of-self
chapter3-the-doctrine-of-truth
chapter4-prudence-in-action
chapter5-reading-the-holy-scripture
chapter6-unbridled-affections
chapter7-avoiding-false-hope-and-pride
chapter8-shunning-over-familiarity
chapter9-obedience-and-subjection
chapter10-avoiding-idle-talk
chapter11-acquiring-peace-and-zeal-for-perfection
chapter12-the-value-of-adversity
chapter13-resisting-temptation
chapter14-avoiding-rash-judgment
chapter15-works-done-in-charity
chapter16-bearing-with-the-faults-of-others
chapter17-monastic-life
chapter18-the-example-set-us-by-the-holy-fathers
chapter19-the-practices-of-a-good-religious
chapter20-the-love-of-solitude-and-silence
chapter21-sorrow-of-heart
chapter22-thoughts-on-the-misery-of-man
chapter23-thoughts-on-death
chapter24-judgment-and-the-punishment-of-sin
chapter25-zeal-in-amending-our-lives

The Fifth Chapter
Reading the Holy Scripture
TRUTH, not eloquence, is to be sought in reading the Holy Scriptures; and every part must be read in the spirit in which it was written. For in the Scriptures we ought to seek profit rather than polished diction.Likewise we ought to read simple and devout books as willingly as learned and profound ones. We ought not to be swayed by the authority of the writer, whether he be a great literary light or an insignificant person, but by the love of simple truth. We ought not to ask who is speaking, but mark what is said. Men pass away, but the truth of the Lord remains forever. God speaks to us in many ways without regard for persons.Our curiosity often impedes our reading of the Scriptures, when we wish to understand and mull over what we ought simply to read and pass by.If you would profit from it, therefore, read with 9 humility, simplicity, and faith, and never seek a reputation for being learned. Seek willingly and listen attentively to the words of the saints; do not be displeased with the sayings of the ancients, for they were not made without purpose.