Why Memorize Scripture?

"Why Memorize Scripture", but I could also have called it "Why Study the Bible" or "Why Meditate on God's Word" or "Why Put God's Word Into Practice." All these things are vital to Christian growth.

The Bible--God's Word. Fully Inspired and Infallible
The Inspiration of the Scriptures (2 Timothy 2:14-17) (2 Peter 1:20-21)
The Inerrancy of the Scriptures
And the words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times.
Psalm 12:6

The Infallibility of the Scriptures
The Authority of the Scriptures
Our Dependence on the Scriptures (Romans 1:18-20) (Romans 1:21-32)
Study and memorization is a command from God
(2Ch 1:7-12; 1Ki 10:23-27; 1Ki 4:30-34) yet, in Ecc. 12:13,14 (1Sa 15:22; John 14:15; Joel 2:11; Ac 5:32; Ro 2:13; 1Jo 3:24; ). (Dt 6:6-9; Dt 11:18-21; Josh 1:7-8; Ps 37:28-31; Ps 119:9-11)
…. It is astonishing to think that many Christians do not even open their Bible from week to week. How can we profit from God's word if we do not even know what it is?
His Word is a delight to the soul
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Psalm 119:35

I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.
Psalm 119:32

I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.
I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,
for I delight in your commands because I love them.
Psalm 119:45-47

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Psalm 19:7-8

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
ROM 15:4
Keeping us from sin and folly
If the word of God is in your heart, you will be able to use it when facing temptation. God's word teaches us how to resist sin, why you should do so and what will happen if you don't. It teaches us how to do what God requires of us:
Jesus knew the word of God and was able to drive away Satan when tempted. MT 4:1-11
King David clearly saw that knowing the word of God was the key to purity. PS 119:9-11
Paul says that the word is a sword in your amour against the devil's schemes. EP 6:13-18
God's word in your heart keeps your feet from slipping. Ps 37:28-31
The things I think about in my heart form my character - whether for good or bad. Meditation (PH 4:4-9) on the scriptures cleanses and transforms the mind (RO 12:1-2) and heart (De 30:14; Job 22:22; Ps 19:14; Pr 15:14; Pr 16:23; Mt 15:18; MA 7:20-23; Lu 6:45; Pr 27:19; Pr 4:23). It helps erase the bad programming in our heads. It washes and cleans out rubbish and filth and makes room for the beauty of the character of Christ. Memorizing God's word can purify your heart and will make a profound impact on your life. What are you putting into your mind and heart? The fear of the Lord (PS 111:10; PR 1:7; PR 9:10) is the beginning of wisdom and a deep knowledge of the word of God will give you this wisdom (PR 4:5-9). We are told to meditate it on it day and night. These are good reasons to memorize it.
It prepares you for a life of productive Christian labour and growth. A thorough knowledge of God's word helps us in our every day life:
We are told to be prepared to answer questions concerning our faith in Christ. (1PE 3:15)
Paul was able to reason with non-Christians because of a knowledge of the word. (AC 17:1-4)
Having the word in our hearts allows us to encourage and teach others. (CO 3:16; 2 TI 2:14-17)
Knowing and using the Word teaches us right from wrong. (HE 5:13-14)
It can increase our ability to distinguish truth from error in doctrine
It will help our prayer life (John 15:7)
Knowing God's word allows us to study the Bible more effectively
If we know the scriptures we can meditate on it anytime wherever we are. (Ps 119:97; Ps 16:7)
It helps us to stand firm against Satan's attacks.
Conclusion After all has been said, when you ask the question, "Should I memorize scripture?", you can only reply "What else would I do?" It is the very words of God. One reader sent me a comment and said "I will memorize scriptures until there is nothing left to memorize". May we all have this attitude.

"Even at night my heart instructs me" (Ps. 16:7)
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Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION,
Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by
permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers