3 Characteristics of a Diligent Student of the Word

Willie A. Alvarenga

How can we tell if a person is a good and diligent student of the Bible? Are there any distinctive characteristics in his or her life that may give us a hint that such is the case? Personally, I think we can actually tell if a person is a good student of the Word. His distinctive characteristics are obvious in his or her life. With this in mind, let me suggest a few characteristics a diligent student of the Bible must have in his or her life.

Characteristic #1: A diligent student of the Bible will have a deep love for the Word of God. This was actually the case with David, who in Psalm 119:97 said, “Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” A person who loves the Word of God will consider the Bible more than his necessary food. This is what Job expressed in Job 23:12. How do we know if a person has a deep love for the Scriptures? Well, if such a person enjoys studying the Scriptures, then you can tell that he or she has a sincere love for the Bible. If a person always looks for opportunities to study the Bible, then you can tell that such has a genuine love for the Bible. Do you love the Scriptures? Do you long for the moment when you can sit down and read and study the Bible? If so, then you have a great characteristic that shows people and God you are a diligent student of the Bible.

Characteristic #2: A diligent student of the Bible has a deep respect for the Word of God. To this student of the Word, the Bible is the greatest Book ever written. When a person has a deep respect for the Bible, such will always strive to live his or her life according to the commandments of God. The Bible will become a priority in his or her life. This person will always make every effort to uphold the authority of the Scriptures (Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11). If a person does not care what God thinks concerning a certain conduct of life, then such a person does not have a deep respect for the Bible. We must remember that at the end of the day, the Scriptures will judge our actions in this life (John 12:48-49; Ecclesiastes 11:9). Do you have a deep respect for the Bible? I hope and pray that you do!

Characteristic #3: A diligent student of the Word of God will make sure his or her heart is pure so that God’s Word can find a special place in it. Two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. This is the case with God’s Word. We cannot have sin in our hearts and then expect for the Word of God to be in the same place at the same time. We must follow the prescription given by God in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” The phrase “keep your heart with all diligence” denotes the action of making sure our hearts are free from sin. Once we sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts, then we will be ready to treasure God’s Word in our minds (1 Peter 3:15; Psalm 119:11). Keeping our hearts free from sinful practices is something we must do on a continual basis. Are you working hard on keeping your heart pure for the Lord? I hope your answer is an emphatic, yes!

These are three great characteristics that describe a diligent student of the Scriptures. Do you have these in your life? If so, then glory be to God! If not, then let me encourage you to work hard in having them present in your life. The rewards will be great for you in this life, and the next to come!