biblical languages

I'm slogging away at Hebrew and Greek with the Open Theological College, in parallel with my studies at Regent's Park College. Why bother with the biblical languages?

In the context of Martin Luther's life John Piper says:

The main issue was the preservation and the purity of the faith. Where the languages are not prized and pursued, care in Biblical observation and Biblical thinking and concern for truth decreases. It has to, because the tools to think otherwise are not present.

Piper quotes Luther:

Without languages we could not have received the gospel. Languages are the scabbard that contains the sword of the Spirit; they are the casket which contains the priceless jewels of antique thought; they are the vessel that holds the wine; and as the gospel says, they are the baskets in which the loaves and fishes are kept to feed the multitude.
If we neglect the literature we shall eventually lose the gospel ... No sooner did men cease to cultivate the languages than Christendom declined, even until it fell under the undisputed dominion of the pope. But no sooner was this torch relighted, than this papal owl fled with a shriek into congenial gloom ... In former times the fathers were frequently mistaken, because they were ignorant of the languages and in our days there are some who, like the Waldenses, do not think the languages of any use; but although their doctrine is good, they have often erred i the real meaning of the sacred text; they are without arms against error, and I fear much that their faith will not remain pure

And so I am encouraged to persevere with my studies!

My own answer would be less colourful than Luther's comments. I want to be able to engage with the primary texts and not interpret someone else's interpretation. May God be pleased to make me, 'one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.' (2 Tim 2:15)