Scriptures are of little value unless they are searched. They are useful if they are "read," but it is possible to read without understanding. Whoso readeth, let him understand, otherwise we will be like those of whom Isaiah prophesied. He spoke of those who had ears but could not hear, who had eyes but could not see (Isa 6:9-10, Matt 13:14-15). Similarly, we may have the scriptures but they will not help us unless we understand them, and we will not understand them unless we search them.
To "search" is to try to understand, to look for personal meaning, to place in historical context, to reference other sources, to find resolution to conflicts, and to internalize principles. The Lord has never commanded the saints to "read" the scriptures; He always commands them to "search" them: search them diligently that ye may profit (Mosiah 1:7)….and search these things diligently, for great are the words of Isaiah (3Ne 23:1). The result of diligent searching is that one becomes as the sons of Mosiah who had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth (Alma 17:2).
L. Lionel Kendrick
"The Savior provided counsel as to the way we should study scripture. He said: 'And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him search them.' (3 Ne. 10:14.) The Prophet Joseph Smith counseled:
'Search the scriptures—search the revelations … and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation.' (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 11-12.)
"It is not enough to read the scriptures. Random reading results in reduced retention. We must search for specifics. We must seek for truth and increased understanding of its application in our lives. If we are to be effective in our study of the scriptures, we must prepare for it to be a special spiritual experience." (Ensign, May 1993, p. 13)