The word here translated “search” signifies a strict, close, assiduous, diligent search – such as people make when they are seeking gold or when hunters are in earnest after game. We must not be content with having merely superficially read a chapter or two of the Bible, but we must deliberately seek out the intended meaning of the Word with the candle of the Spirit.

Holy Scripture requires searching. Much of it can only be learned by careful study. There is milk for babies, but there is also meat for strong men. The rabbis wisely say that a mountain of matter hangs upon every word of Scripture. Tertullian exclaims, “I adore the fullness of the Scriptures.” No one who merely skims the Book of God can profit thereby. We must dig and mine until we obtain the hidden treasure. The door of the Word only opens with the key of diligence.

The Scriptures require searching. They are the writings of God, bearing the divine stamp and approval. Who will dare to treat them lightly? He who despises them despises the God who wrote them! God forbid that any of us should let our Bibles become swift witnesses against us in the great day of judgment!

The Word of God will reward searching. God does not have us sift a mountain of chaff to look for an occasional grain of wheat, for the Bible is winnowed grain. We only have to open the granary door and find it. Scripture grows upon the student. It is full of surprises. To the searching eye that is under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God glows with the splendor of revelation, like a vast temple paved with gold and adorned with rubies, emeralds, and all manner of precious gems. There is no merchandise like the merchandise of Scripture truth.

Lastly, the Scriptures reveal Jesus. The Scriptures testify about Him (John 5:39). No more powerful motive can be urged upon Bible readers than this. He who finds Jesus finds life, heaven, and all things. Happy is he who searches the Bible and discovers his Savior!

Spurgeon, Evening by Evening, June 9