Go to the source.

I would not want to get a second-hand kiss from my wife -- that is to receive her kiss by kissing someone who had kissed her.

Sadly, too many people (too often me) are only "kissed" by the Bible second hand -- they read what others have said about the Bible rather than reading the Bible itself.

I would rather have someone hear something direct from me rather than have it reported and interpreted by someone else.

Trusting others to interpret the Scriptures for me is as dangerous as trusting a gossip to tell me the truth. On the other hand, there is safety in a multitude of counselors (Proverbs), so when I do read the opinions of others about the Scriptures, I must read broadly and deeply, not just those who agree with my current understandings. I have too often done that. I should not be so arrogant as to think that I will discover a new and accurate interpretation of Scripture which godly generations have missed for centuries.

Certainly there is great value -- even essential dependence -- in learning what others say about the meaning and application of Scripture. My interpretations must always be checked by what the Spirit has said through the church through the ages and now.

But there is a wonderful freshness about allowing God's Spirit to speak anew to me as I open my mind and life to the transformative influence of the Scriptures.

Jesus often said, "You err because you do not know the Scriptures." Perhaps it was with a tinge of amazement, rebuke, and sadness when He repeatedly asked, "Haven't you read...?"

I'll keep reading to learn from others, but I'm renewing my commitment to GO TO THE SOURCE.