I let a verse or phrase that sticks out to me in my Bible reading be something I can focus on.

Because different Bible versions made different choices in how they went about their translation of the Bible into English, including the reader level (which may include English that is either older in nature or more contemporary, more formal or more informal), there's much to gain in comparing their work*. To push myself into the main purpose of this Biblical meditation, I just need to make sure I choose some versions that take me outside of my go-to versions. The greater the variety in reader level of the version and the types of translation approaches (word-for-word, thought-for-thought, paraphrase, or even a commentary-like version - I make sure I have a least one of each of these categories) will assure that I encounter variety in content from which to work.

I then compare various Bible versions to see if any of them bring any new or deeper, interesting insight or perspective to the verse or phrase.

I will write down, in my journal, the verse or phrase which added insight, to my journal. This could be a few different Bible versions of the verse or phrase. I want to be able to reference these in my time of meditation, but also for a later revisit or continuation of my reflection.

NOTE: If you use the You Bible App on your smartphone, once you highlight a verse, you can choose "COMPARE" as the bottom to see the verse in various versions you choose. I highly recommend this as a way to quickly compare/contrast versions for the same verse. It will save you precious time!

EXAMPLE: Comparing Proverbs 3:5-6

Bible versions and their unique wordings might just launch you into some interesting meditation. Notice anything insightful that helps you think in a new way about this verse?

• ESV (English Standard Version) > "Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

• NIV (New International Version) > "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

• NLT (New Living Translation) > "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."

• MSG (The Message) > "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track."

• TPT (The Passion Translation)> "Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go."

• TLB (The Living Bible)> "Trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself. In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success."

• ERV (Easy-to-Read Version) > "Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way."

• NIrV (New International Reader's Version - for children) > "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. In all your ways obey him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight."

*See image below for Reading Level and comparison in the type of translation

I sit with myself and God and meditate on that verse or phrase and the insight the versions may provide. I ask myself and/or God questions about my heart and the way I live life. I let Him make the connections for me. I do so to let His light shine on my heart and direct me to His truth.

I steward the insight or revelation by coming up with SMART goals for the areas this passage spoke to.