In the Old Testament, God gave a unique command for any king who ascended the throne. He didn't ask the king to build a bigger army or a taller palace first. He asked him to pick up a pen.

“Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book... and it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life.” Deuteronomy 17:18-19

The king had to write the first five books of the Bible with his own hand. He could not delegate this task to a scribe. This physical act of writing the Word achieved three specific things:

  1. It taught him to fear and respect the Lord.

  2. It kept him humble, preventing him from feeling superior to his brothers.

  3. It extended his life and the lives of his children.

Familiarity with the Word of God is the ultimate guard against pride. Even as a king, the Word reminds you that you are under Authority. When you take the time to engage with the Word personally—not just hearing it second-hand—you secure your future and the future of your family.

The most powerful person in the room is often the one most submitted to the Word.