When you and I sit down to read the Bible we are, in a sense, eavesdropping. We are learning by listening in to what are ancient conversations: that is, God speaking to ancient people living in very different times and cultures. While God was speaking to them, He was also speaking for our benefit. We should still agree with Paul’s words to Timothy about the inspiration and profitability of Scripture. After all, God had the Bible compiled for us. We need to ask what God’s message is for me in what I am reading. We still learn what we need to do to be part of His plans and we still learn how He wants us to live in our world and society – if we listen with care, thought and prayer.