On t
his site, we have often lauded the values of reading and books. In fact, in my own life, I would definitely consider books and reading to be one of my great and favorite pastimes. With summer comes time for many of us to dig in and read on vacation and at other times. In fact, Al Mohler has posted his summer reading list today.
For most people, they need the encouragement to pick up more books and to read more than they do (in fact, for many folks, the encouragement should be read anything). In light, however, of our strong encouragement to read and to spend time in books, many of us would all do well to take note of the biblical advice.
Ecclesiastes 12:12 warns,
Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.
Certainly reading and learning has great value, and there is no substitute for study. However, balance is necessary in all things and books and learning should primarily be a means to an end and not an end in and of itself. Your reading should affect your life and the way you live, but by all means, do not let it control your life. There is much ministry, work, and living to do. Your reading should make you better, but by all means, do not let it take you away from your ministry, work, parenting, spousal, and other responsibilities.
