5 of My Favorite Quotes About Books

Charles Spurgeon, talking about the Apostle Paul at the end of his letters to Timothy –

“He is inspired, yet he wants books! He has been preaching at least for 30 years, yet he wants books! He has seen the Lord, and yet he wants books! He has had a wider experience than most men, yet he wants books! He had been caught up into the third heaven, and had heard things which it is unlawful for a man to utter, yet he wants books! He had written the major part of the New Testament, yet he wants books!”

Warren Wiersbe, on how he uses the books in his personal library –

My books are my tools, and I use them. I cannot afford to be a book collector; neither the budget nor the diminishing shelf space permits such a luxury. I enjoy my library. Each book is a friend that converses with and teaches me. Better to have fewer of the best books than to clutter your shelves with volumes that cannot serve you well. Above all, love your books, use them, and dedicate all you learn to the service of Jesus Christ. – Warren Wiersbe

Francis Bacon, on deciding on how to use each of his books –

Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention.  

Martin Luther, warning about having too many books –

The multitude of books is a great evil. There is no measure of limit to this fever for writing; every one must be an author; some out of vanity, to acquire celebrity and raise up a name; others for the sake of mere gain. – Martin Luther

John MacArthur, giving a reason why God disclosed Himself to us in book form –

Unlike television, books freeze thoughts on the printed page, forcing us to argue, and judge ideas using our active, engaged minds. Books are permanent, requiring a response from the mind. They help us raise our thoughts and think outside ourselves and our everyday lives. It’s no accident God’s chosen vehicle for his special revelation was a book! – John MacArthur