1. Make sure that you read enough of the previous verses and enough of the following verses to be sure that you understand what context something was said in.

A stepping stone for many performing Bible study is being able to discern what context certain words were said.  If something was said to the Jews it may not apply to the Gentiles and vice versa.  If something was said during the time when you had to perform actions to cleanse your sins it may not apply to the period where you are saved by grace.  An example is shown in Job where there are many chapters where Job's friends are giving him advice, but near the end God tells Job not to listen to them.  If you just read one verse or even one chapter you might accept this as God's word where if you had kept reading you would see that this is actually contrary to God's word.