Kirjathsepher was the “City of Books,” that is what the name means. This might seem strange, but we learn from it that we need to smite this city, figuratively speaking, in each of our lives. Solomon, perhaps the wisest man who ever lived, apart from the Lord Jesus, penned these words thousands of years ago: “Of making of many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh” (Ecclesiastes 12:1212And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. (Ecclesiastes 12:12)). Books are being churned off the printing presses, in the twenty-first century, at an alarming rate. One of the characteristics of the end times, and thus the day we live in, is “knowledge shall be increased” (Daniel 12:44But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (Daniel 12:4)). If there was ever a confirmation that we are right at the end, it is the fact that the bookstores are larger than ever, and everyone seems to have become the author or editor of something. This is most certainly the information age!
Even under the banner of Christianity there is much published that we need to practically slay in our reading-habit-lives. There is much that is not wholly in accord with the Word of God, and which does us more harm than good in the end. There may be some good, or even much good, but in the end it muddles and muddies our minds, our perception of divine things, and our comprehension of the truth. Be careful! One example of this is all the so-called prophetic ministry that is on the bookstore shelves. Much of it is simply man’s opinion and speculation without real Scriptural backing. It is true that there are many helpful commentaries on prophecy, but again, be wary. Ask yourself, does it line up with Scripture?
A good test of any book is to ask ourselves if it exalts Christ or man, namely the author? Usually this can be determined by reading the flyleaf or the first page or two. Another great test is, does it edify? Often things are greatly sensationalised with very little real meat or substance. Many commentaries occupy us more with self rather than the Lord.
Then there are fairytales and fables. There is much fiction that causes us to live in a fantasy world, and lose touch with reality, such as love stories, romance novels, etc. Not that all fiction is bad, but again, be careful! Even, so called Christian fiction can be injurious.
There are, despite what has just been said, lots of good and helpful books. We can be thankful for that which has been written for our learning and profit. The Apostle Paul valued his books, and said to Timothy, “The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:1313The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. (2 Timothy 4:13)).
In summary, remember there is no substitute for orderly, consistent reading of the Word of God. As the children’s Sunday school song reminds us,
The best book to read is the Bible!
The best book to read is the Bible!
If you read it everyday,
It will help you on your way!
The best book to read is the Bible!