The Source: R.B. Ouellette

Dr. R.B. Ouellette is a well-known figure in Independent Fundamental Baptist circles. He served as the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bridgeport, Michigan, for over four decades.

In his writings and sermons, he frequently emphasizes personal devotion, direct biblical reading, and the dangers of letting human wisdom override scripture. The quote stems from advice he often gives to young preachers, cautioning them that reading human wisdom and commentary can easily draw believers away from the original truth if it replaces time spent in the Bible itself.

The Core Message

At its heart, the quote warns against the danger of secondhand knowledge. When someone spends more time reading theological commentaries, academic critiques, or devotionals than the source text itself, their worldview is inevitably shaped by the lens of other people rather than the original text. It emphasizes the importance of directly engaging with scripture to understand "what God said" rather than filtering it entirely through the opinions, biases, and interpretations of "what men said."

The Bible itself commands:

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15

Books, sermons, and commentaries may be helpful, but they must remain subordinate to the inspired Word of God. The Bereans were commended because they tested what they heard by Scripture:

“They received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
Acts 17:11

The danger arises when a believer knows what a favourite preacher, author, or theological system teaches, but cannot personally show those doctrines from the Bible. Scripture warns:

“Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?”
Isaiah 2:22

A faithful order is:

Read the Bible first. Believe the Bible as written. Compare Scripture with Scripture. Then consult human helps carefully and test everything by God’s Word.

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
1 Thessalonians 5:21

The Bible is the authority; books about the Bible are only servants.

The Balance

Historical context, linguistic translation, and expert commentary can unlock confusing passages and prevent deep misunderstandings. The key takeaway is the ratio: the secondary material should illuminate the primary text, not replace it.

Also see:

• Hear God Word
• Voyage of Life
• Wesley Heavenly Surprise