Introduction — Seeing Before Understanding
Now, we begin the first practical step of studying the Bible without confusion.
Observation.
Up until now, we have talked about purpose and posture. However, at this point, we begin the actual process. This is where you start engaging Scripture in a deliberate and structured way.
And this step cannot be ignored.
Because before you can understand the Word, you must first learn to see what is written.
Jesus said:
Because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. — Matthew 13:13 (NKJV)
Notice the order.
Seeing comes first. Understanding follows.
So if seeing is not accurate, understanding will not be clear.
The Foundation of Observation
To begin with, observation is simply learning to pay attention to what is already written.
Now, many believers read Scripture, but they do not truly observe it. Their eyes move across the text, yet their attention is not fully engaged.
Because of this, details are missed.
Meaning becomes assumed.
Clarity is lost.
Scripture gives us direction:
Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your eyelids look right before you. — Proverbs 4:25 (NKJV)
Focus is required.
Attention is necessary.
You must look carefully at what is in front of you.
Observation is not complicated—but it is intentional.
Slowing Down to Truly See
At this point, a shift is required.
Many people are used to reading quickly. Chapters are covered in large portions, and progress is measured by how much has been read. However, Scripture was not designed to be rushed.
Understanding grows when you slow down.
The psalmist says:
I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. — Psalm 119:15 (NKJV)
Meditation requires time.
Contemplation requires stillness.
So instead of moving quickly, you stay with the passage.
You read it again.
Then you pause.
And as you do this, something begins to happen.
What was once hidden becomes visible and what seemed ordinary begins to carry depth.
What You Should Be Observing
Now, let’s make this practical.
Observation is not just “looking.” It is knowing what to look for.
Scripture gives us guidance:
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night…— Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
Meditation involves engaging with the details of the Word.
So as you read, begin to look for what is clearly present in the text.
For example:
- Words that are repeated
- Instructions that are given
- Promises that are declared
- Warnings that are expressed
- Actions that are emphasized
In addition, notice who is speaking.
Pay attention to who is being addressed.
Follow the flow of the passage.
All of these are part of observation.
Letting the Word Speak First
Now, this is where many people miss it.
There is often a tendency to interpret too quickly.
You read a verse and immediately say, “This means…”
However, at that point, you may not have fully observed what is written.
Scripture warns us:
He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him. — Proverbs 18:13 (NKJV)
The principle is clear.
You must hear before you answer.
In the same way, you must observe before you interpret.
So allow the Word to speak first.
Stay with the text.
Resist the urge to rush ahead.
Because when observation is complete, interpretation becomes clearer.
Seeing What Is Written — Not What You Assume
Another important aspect of observation is honesty with the text.
Sometimes, you approach Scripture with prior knowledge. You have heard teachings before, or you are familiar with certain passages. However, that familiarity can lead to assumption.
Instead of seeing what is written, you begin to see what you expect.
But Scripture calls for a different approach:
“…not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully…” — 2 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV)
This means you must handle the Word sincerely.
You must allow it to say what it is saying.
Not what you want it to say nor what you have always heard.
But what is actually written.
A Simple Way to Practice Observation
Let’s make this even clearer.
When you read a passage, start by asking simple questions:
- What is being said?
- Who is speaking?
- What is repeated?
- Who is being addressed?
Now, this may seem simple—but it is powerful.
The Bereans practiced this kind of attention:
They received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. — Acts 17:11 (NKJV)
They did not assume.
Rather, they searched and observed.
And because of this, they gained understanding.
Why Observation Changes Everything
At this point, something should become clear.
Observation is not optional.
It is foundational.
When you learn to observe properly, Scripture begins to open naturally.
The Word itself confirms this:
The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. — Psalm 119:130 (NKJV)
Light comes.
Understanding follows.
But first, there must be proper engagement with the Word.
Reflection
Now, take a moment and reflect:
- Do I truly observe Scripture, or do I rush through it?
- Do I allow the Word to speak before I interpret it?
- Am I seeing what is written, or what I expect?
Your answers will reveal your current approach.
Conclusion
Observation is where clarity begins.
Without it, confusion will continue. However, when you learn to truly see what is written, understanding becomes easier.
So slow down.
Pay attention.
Stay with the text.
Because when you begin to observe Scripture properly, the Word will start to open in ways you have not experienced before.
Transition
Next, we move into another crucial step:
Context — understanding where the passage fits and what it truly means.
And this is where your depth in Scripture will increase.
Jesus is Lord!
–
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God bless you.
–
Ngozi Nwoke
Grace and peace of God be unto you.
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