Why is it important to memorize Scripture?

Why is it important to memorize Scripture?
Memorization of Scripture is very important for Christians. It helps keep believers focused on the work of the Lord and keeps the ego in check. Spending time getting deep into the Word of God is imperative if a believer is to truly grow in the Lord.
My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God" (Proverbs 2.1-5).
Instead of getting distracted with an abundance of social events or fussing about any number of situations that pull us away from behaving gracefully and wisely as loving vessels─filling our hearts and minds by memorizing Scripture is the greatest way to renew our minds and become spiritually alert and discerning.
When delving into the Word of God with a prayerful contrite heart─savoring and memorizing each Word─then a grateful and loving spirit abounds. And the layers of disobedience and rebellion peel away giving way to the new creature in Christ as the old man is buried.
Some Christians participate in various ministries and projects but show little evidence of being grounded in the Word of God. Their actions and behavior are no different than the lost. They can be rude, inconsiderate, envious, causing division amongst believers with a haughty attitude. Getting deep into God's Word will help these sinful conditions dissipate. That is, unless a prideful spirit has not been admitted and acknowledged, or if a commitment made to God is not sincere.
Overblown petty grievances, holding grudges and fostering an unforgiving attitude is a great offense to the Lord and is no way for a true born-again Christian to behave. Memorizing Scripture is one way to get the Word deep into one's psyche and help break bad attitudes, and cultivate a kindred-spirit of abiding-love and generosity.
"Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, andso find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man" (Proverbs 3.3-4).
Habitual sin can easily overtake people when they are not absorbing the Word of God and truly integrating it into their lives. That is why you see some professing Christians act like the lost. Their walk does not match their talk. One might wonder if they are truly born-again by the Spirit of God or if they are just going through the motions to be accepted by other Christians for hidden-ungodly reasons. Their motives are flawed and their chronic aggravating troublesome spirits give them away. When the Word of God is truly revered and embedded within, it is very hard to go around causing division and strife.
All Christians should memorize as much Scripture as possible and pastors, even more. Most Hebrew men in the Bible memorized vast amounts of the Scriptures. Memorizing Scripture is what helps us keep from sinning (Psalm 119.11). When Jesus was tempted by the devil He simply quoted Scripture (Matthew 4.1-11). God has promised to provide the way of escape when we are tempted (1 Corinthians 10.13), and that way is by quoting Scripture.
Memorizing Scripture is also necessary in order to share the gospel in the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. When we can quote Scripture at any time the HOLY SPIRIT can use us to convict people of sin (John 16.8; Hebrews 4.12) and lead them to the Lord (1 Peter 3.15). Remember, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Romans 10.17). Quoting Scripture is the best way to lead someone to the Lord.
Along with memorizing Scripture we are to contemplate (meditate) on the Word of God as often as possible, as implied in (Proverbs 7.1-3). We know from other Scriptures that we are commanded to mediate on Scripture day and night (Joshua 1.8; Psalm 1.2). King David meditated on Scripture a great deal (Psalm 5.1; 19.14; 63.6; 104.34; 119.15, 23, 48, 78, 97, 99, 148; 143.5).
Meditating on and memorizing Scripture is a key to gaining great understanding and wisdom. Anyone can have greater understanding and wisdom if he or she meditates on Scripture regularly and wholeheartedly (Psalm 119.99). The HOLY SPIRIT is our greatest teacher─when we die to our selves, get out of His way and surrender our all to Him.
Every dedicated born-again believer would do well to encourage one another to memorize God's Holy Scriptures so that the Word of God will resonate with purpose to others by presenting a compassionate, unwavering witness─while there is still time to reach the unsaved.
"My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh" (Proverbs 4.20-22).