The Bible does not specifically speak of disposing a ruined or old Bible. But it does speak of the lasting value of God’s word (Isaiah 55:11), indicating that sharing it–even worn copies—is a good idea. Scripture testifies to itself as the proper guide in all life situations (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Significantly, the Bible indicates that believers should familiarize themselves with God’s word, which implies the importance of the content, not the paper on which they’re printed (Psalm 1:1-2, 119:11, 119:15-16; Joshua 1:8). Scripture indicates that believers should be so steeped in God’s word that we can know it (Psalm 119:11; Colossians 3:16)---even without the physical copy. While it is important to treat Bibles with respect, as they are bearers of God’s Word, we must remember that the Word of God is what is holy, not the material it is printed on. God can use even an old, tattered Bible to proclaim His powerful words to us and we should seek those words with our whole hearts to know and follow God better.
A ruined or older Bible may be respectfully disposed of in several ways. First, if you simply have an extra Bible you no longer use, share it with someone who could use it, such as churches, local homeless shelters, Christian schools, or other groups that minister in certain areas like prisons or nursing homes. Second, if your Bible is too old or damaged for use, you could follow the Jewish practice for "retiring" aged Torah scrolls. In the Jewish tradition, aged scrolls were generally placed in a cave or buried. Some continue this tradition with their Bibles, burying them with the same respect one would say goodbye to a loved one. Third, some choose to at least recycle older Bibles as a form of good stewardship. This is commendable and a practice one could encourage to others. Further, some have taken an additional step and have "upcycled" unusable Bibles by taking single pages from an older Bible and using them in various art or framed wall hangings. Such displays can be inspirational for one's own life or as a gift to others. Regardless of the method, the goal is to only discard Bibles that are truly no longer usable. Millions of people have never had access to Scripture in their own language and desperately desire the resources we take for granted. Instead of disposing of a Bible that could be reused, we should commit to reading it, sharing it, and applying its teachings in our lives each day.
Most of all, though, believers should store up God’s word in our hearts. We won’t have a Bible handy every time we face a situation in life that requires the wisdom God has given us in Scripture. But if we regularly read, meditate, and memorize God’s word, we have it within us for daily guidance. By valuing God’s Word in both action and practice, we honor Him and ensure that His message continues to impact lives long after a particular copy has worn out.
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