What version?

What is the bottom line of Bible reading?  Contrary to popular belief it's not "hearing what God has to say".  It's READING!  

Of course the Bible is full and running over with absolute truth, invaluable nuggets of who God is and "inspiration".  But you can only get to it if you read.  Consequently find a version that you enjoy reading.


People of my generation started with the KJV.  After all, if it was good enough for Jesus it's good enough for me.  A number of versions are efforts to take the archaic and make them more understandable.  Other are intended to be reading versions, easily understood and relative.  I've read many of them and prefer the "read-able" versions; New Living Translation, The Message, etc.  When I find a nugget I'll read it in several versions to see the different perspectives.


Additionally I prefer a "chronological" approach.  I find that reading the prophets mingled into the history books gives a context that helps create a framework for the visions.  In the NT you can read about the expansion of the church intermingled with Paul's letters to the various churches.


As stated above, and here we are on the bottom line, READ the book.