All the words. Not just the comfortable ones, not just the encouraging ones, not just the promises of blessing. Joshua read everything – the blessings and the curses, the promises and the warnings, the grace and the truth. God’s people need to hear the complete counsel of God.
Too many of us want a selective gospel. We want the verses about God’s love and acceptance, but we don’t want to hear about His holiness and justice. We want the promises without the commands, the blessings without acknowledging the consequences of disobedience. But that’s not how God’s word works – it’s a package deal.
If we’re going to live in covenant relationship with God, we need to hear it all. This is why regular Bible reading matters – not just reading inspiring verses here and there, but working through the entire counsel of God. This is why consistent church attendance and small group participation are crucial – so we can hear the whole word of God, even the parts that challenge us.