I think that when your starting out in bible study you should take some time to get to Understanding Bible Translation Differences. The word for word translation of the bible can become so difficult to read and comprehend even the stories let alone the lessons and metaphors, that many quit before they get very far thinking they just can’t do it. By reading an easier to read version like say the “Good News Bible” people will be able to wrap their head around the very format of the bible first, then can go back and read it with a more healthy shell perception of what’s being said and how it all comes together.