If you have been following my blog for any length of time you know that I love to cite quotes from famous people about the Bible. Today, especially in America, too many people think that reading the Bible is for people looking for a crutch, for old fogies, for wimps, for weak-minded people, and for individuals living in the past. But I believe that those people who choose to read the Holy Scriptures are making the best investment of their time possible.
I continue to be excited about the number of great scientists, U.S. Presidents, statesmen, and other world famous personalities of the past who consider the Bible an absolutely essential guide to life. A while back I compiled a list of many of these famous quotes in a devotion, but since then I have found many more. In a future devotion I will update this listing with more amazing quotes by world famous individuals. The goal of listing these quotes is to show you that when you read the Bible you are in some pretty amazing company.
Listed below are seven more quotes by famous individuals on the Bible to encourage you in the Lord. After each quote I have a short commentary. All seven of these quotes are from the website turnbacktogod.com1
“I am sorry for men who do not read the Bible every day. I wonder why they deprive themselves of the strength and pleasure.” – Woodrow Wilson (1)
I believe that President Wilson understood that the Bible not only can provide you with strength to endure the trials of life but that studying the Scriptures is one of the great joys of life. I too feel sorry for people who miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to connect with Jesus.
“Education is useless without the Bible.” – Daniel Webster (2)
Without a knowledge of the Bible, according to the great 19th century American statesmen, Daniel Webster, your education is useless. I believe that Webster knew that the Bible is the only book that is an education in itself providing its reader with wisdom, the highest standards of morality, coping mechanisms to handle the trials of life, and peace, joy, and ultimate purpose in life. In other words what good is an education if you miss out on wisdom, peace, joy, and purpose in life.
“It is necessary for the welfare of the nation that men’s lives be based on the principles of the Bible. No man, educated or uneducated, can afford to be ignorant of the Bible.” – Theodore Roosevelt (3)
According to President Roosevelt, being ignorant of the Bible disqualifies an individual to govern our great country of America. Governing, without a thorough knowledge of the Bible, is to put Jesus on the sideline. When this happens, history shows that the long-term welfare of a nation is doomed to suffer.
“I have a fundamental belief in the Bible as the Word of God, written by men who were inspired. I study the Bible daily.” – Sir Isaac Newton (4)
If, perhaps the greatest scientist in all of history thought that reading the Bible daily was important, I think we should take notice. Isaac Newton not only believed that the Holy Scriptures were inspired by God but also commented that: “We account the Scriptures of God to be the most sublime philosophy. I find more sure remarks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatever.”
“Believe me, sir, never a night goes by, be I ever so tired, but I read the Word of God before I go to bed.” – Douglas MacArthur (5)
The great American five-star army general Douglas MacArthur, who was tough as nails, always had a tender spot for the Word of God. And for good reason because I am sure it gave him great insights on how to fight the enemy on the battlefield – not to mention a good night’s sleep.
“There is no other book so various as the Bible, nor one so full of concentrated wisdom. Whether it be of law, business, morals, etc.…. He who seeks for guidance … may look inside its covers and find illumination.” – Herbert Hoover (6)
President Hoover’s quote captures the essence of the Bible. It is a book of incredible wisdom and guidance that will point you to Jesus – the Savior of the world. And as President Hoover states, inside its covers, you will find illumination because you will find the light of the world – Jesus!
“A single line in the Bible has consoled me more than all the books I ever read besides.” – Immanuel Kant (7)
If you have ever read the Psalms or listened to the words of Jesus I am certain you will agree that peace of mind and comfort are two things they can inspire in your heart. The great 18th century German philosopher and Enlightenment thinker, Immanuel Kant, didn’t mince words when he shared how powerful the Word of God can be. If just a single line of Scripture can offer such comfort, imagine what the entire Bible, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, can do for our often beleaguered souls.