You’ve probably heard it countless times— “You should read the Bible.”

But why exactly? What can one gain from reading it?

If you’re wondering why reading the Bible is essential, here are five reasons that may inspire you to begin today:

Reason #1: The stories in the Bible are relatable.

When you read the Bible, you’ll find that many of its characters faced situations that still happen today.

Rejection, judgment, poverty, long-term struggles, addictions, betrayal—you can find these stories in the Bible.

These stories can offer hope and strength for whatever you’re going through. You might find yourself thinking, “If it happened to them, it could happen to me, too. If they overcame it, so can I.”

There’s something powerful about seeing how others handled their challenges. So, you begin to understand how to respond better to the situations in your own life.

Reason #2: It strengthens you.

People work out to build physical strength, eat vegetables to stay healthy, and read books and watch tutorials to improve their skills.

But what about emotional, mental, and spiritual strength? How does one build faith, especially in tough seasons?

By reading the Bible and meditating on the promises of God.

Psalm 119:28 (NIV) says, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word.”

The Bible strengthens not just because of the words it contains, but because it’s alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), and God-breathed(2 Timothy 3:16). You can’t find these in any other book.

Reason #3: It sets you free.

You’ve likely heard the phrase, “The truth will set you free.” That actually comes from the Bible, and you can read it in John 8:32.

But here’s a question: What is truth?

If the truth sets people free, then what exactly is the truth? And what does it set them free from?

Jesus answered it Himself: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

Jesus is the Truth. To get to know Him, you need to read the Bible.

Through it, freedom becomes real. You can be free from sin, eternal death, pressure, confusion, bitterness, anxiety, the need to control, pride, and unforgiveness. It also gives you freedom from lies.

Lies like “No one loves you.”

“You’re all alone.”

“Your efforts mean nothing.”

“You don’t have a future worth hoping for.”

But here’s what’s true:

You are loved. (Romans 8:35–39)

You are never alone. (Joshua 1:9)

You will be blessed. (Psalm 128:2)

You have a bright future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Reason #4: The Bible brings clarity and direction.

Ever feel uncertain or stuck when making a decision? Not sure which path to take? Or maybe you simply don’t know where to begin?

Psalm 119:105 (NIV) says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Author Paul Sohn, in Quarter-Life Calling, described the overwhelming number of choices people face daily: What to wear, what to eat, who to be with, what career to pursue… the list goes on. It can feel paralyzing. 

Too many choices often lead to indecision and second-guessing.

If that sounds familiar, maybe this is the right moment to tune out the noise and start listening to God, through reading the Bible.

Reason #5: It cleanses the soul.

Just as unhealthy food harms the body, toxic content harms the mind and heart.

Gossip, negativity, toxic environments, violent media, and pornography—these are all toxins for your soul. Just like junk food affects the body, these things damage emotional and spiritual health.

If you want it to be cleansed, read the Bible.

Jesus said in John 15:3 (NKJV), “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.”

God’s Word holds the power to purify and restore us.

But before pressure starts to creep in, remember this: You can always take it one step at a time. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but what matters most is that you begin. Reading the Bible brings such amazing impact to your life. It’s worth choosing every day, even just one chapter at a time, just as God chooses you every single day.

He loves you.

You’ll come to know that love even more, when you get to know God and His Word.

Don’t know where to begin? You can start here.