I do not believe one can adequately understand the Bible simply by reading it. Now reading is a fine start. But until one casts the face value of biblical expressions into the physical world, and deeply considers all that bounces back, frankly, pondering the Bible is largely an academic undertaking. Don’t get me wrong. Yes, read the Bible. Read it to your kids. Go to church and take them with you. Provide children an academic foundation for expanding their understanding later on. But just expect that any higher meaning the Bible offers will only arise from a spiritual understanding, founded in one’s unique life experiences and relationship with God, not a mental one based solely on academic study. And most kids and many adults are not ready to understand deep, spiritual wisdom, just saying.