I really like how J. C. Ryle describes the three stages of happiness as it relates to the Bible: “Next to praying there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible reading. By reading that book we may learn what to believe, what to be, and what to do; how to live with comfort, and how to die in peace. Happy is that man who possesses a Bible! Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it, but obeys it, and makes it the rule of his faith and practice!”1
Let’s look at each of these three stages as it relates to happiness and the Holy Scriptures.
Happy is that man who possesses a Bible!
In many of the poorer parts of our world, as well as in communist and oppressive societies, owning a Bible is a dream come true. And that is why organizations like the American Bible Society and the Bible League exist to ensure as many people as possible can own their very own Bible. To possess a Bible for millions, who either can’t afford one, or are not allowed to own one because of the society they live in, is a sad commentary on the world we live in. Many people understand that there is something special about the Bible, and that it offers hope for a better life to those fortunate enough to possess a copy.
Happier still is the man who reads the Bible!
It’s one thing to possess a Bible, but real happiness explodes on the scene when one reads the sacred pages of the Scriptures. You see there is something special when we read the Bible that can bring comfort to the soul; whether or not we are a follower of Christ or just a non-Christian looking for hope in times of despair. I know in my own life when I was an atheist and feeling somewhat depressed that when I turned to the Scriptures I found comfort when I read several verses from the Psalms. For more insights on why reading the Bible can bring peace, joy, comfort, and happiness to the soul, for both the believer and non-believer, please read my personal testimony from the devotional link below.2
Happiest of all is the man who not only reads the Bible, but obeys it!
The happiest people I know are those individuals who obey the teachings of Scripture. And the reason is simple. When we obey the Word of God we set into motion an amazing array of blessings. We get to glorify God, put a smile on the face of Jesus, claim the promises of God, experience great peace and joy, and so many more blessings. There are so many blessings that we obtain by obedience to the commands of God that I wrote a three-part devotional series called, “Obedience to the Word of God – The pathway to blessings. (See the links below to this three-part devotion to get even more excited about why obedience to the Word of God is the wisest and best investment you can ever make with your time, talents, and treasury).3
My friends, obedience to God and His Word is guaranteed to make you wise and yes very happy. In closing, I challenge you to memorize these amazing verses from (Proverbs 3:13-15):
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.”
1J.C. Ryle – Next to praying there is nothing so important in…
2 The Bible – The Book of Ultimate Comfort – Bible Apologetics – A DAILY DEVOTIONAL
3 Obedience to the Word of God – The pathway to blessings – Part I – Bible Apologetics – A DAILY DEVOTIONAL