It should be read as one might read the J.B. Phillips translation, with caution. 2.Select and use several of the following Bible study helps. The concordance is the most important aid in studying the Bible besides the Bible itself. A good Bible dictionary also can be very helpful at times. An English dictionary also will be needed from time to time.
Commentaries can be very helpful from time to time.
Even the best of them present a man's opinions and comments about the Bible. The commentary is not authoritative. By using only one you may allow that man to shape your thoughts. Compare different commentaries, and make up your own mind. Don't even look at a commentary until you have thoroughly studied the text for yourself.