When God inspired and motivated the writers of the Scriptures to record the words and deeds of those whose names appear in the Bible, He did this so that we could learn from their examples — good and bad — and from how He instructed and responded to them. When you read the Bible and see a name, a place, or an event, you can know that it';s in there for a reason. For example, when you study and get to know the story of an Old Testament prophet named Jonah, you find that it';s more than a well-known children';s Sunday school story of a guy who was swallowed by a fish but also an encouragement and a warning to listen to and obey God, knowing that there is blessing in obedience and folly in turning away from Him.

When you study Bible characters and events, look at the details — the things they said, the things they did, how God instructed and corrected them, the events that took place around them — and ask yourself what significance they all have when it comes to having a better understanding of God';s Word and of God Himself. When you do that, you will be able to take personal instruction from things these men and women did and said, as well as the things God did for them.