At the end of a good chapter on the role of the Spirit in biblical interpretation, Robert Stein concludes:
“The role of the Spirit in interpretation is not an excuse for laziness. All the prayer in the world cannot substitute for a Bible dictionary, if we do not know the meaning of a biblical word. For understanding the biblical text, meditation is no replacement for looking up how the author uses such terms elsewhere in his writings. The goal of acquiring a correct mental grasp of the author’s meaning is not achieved by personal piety. To pray that the Spirit would help us understand the meaning of a text because we do not want to spend time studying the text or using the tools that have been made available to us (such as commentaries, concordances, dictionaries, etc.) may border on blasphemy, for its seeks to ‘use ‘ the Spirit for our own ends. The Holy Spirit brings to the believer a blessed assurance of the truthfulness of the biblical teachings, but he cannot be manipulated to cover for laziness in the study of the Word of God.
On the other hand, to pray that the Spirit would help us recognize the truth of the text (its significance) or to show which of the implications apply particularly to us and our situation (divine guidance) is both highly appropriate and devout. For what does it profit a study of the Bible, if we understand its meaning perfectly, but never submit to its teaching and obey its implications for our lives!”
Source: Robert Stein, A Basic Guide to Interpreting the Bible, 1994, pp. 70-71.