Verification?

Augustine makes a lot to do about the "rules" to be followed in reading and understanding the Bible, along with people who prefer to read the Bible without commentary or instruction from other men. He is less than approving of these people. But my question is, How are people supposed to choose whose word to follow, if they do read commentary? There are, of course, a plethora of commentators and instructors from which to choose when it comes to "understanding" the Bible, and all of those are fallible and mortal. Who do you choose?

Wouldn't you have to choose based on who you thought followed the Bible's teachings most closely, in order not to believe blindly? But in that case... doesn't the Bible have to be your primary source? And are you not foregoing other's instruction by studying the Bible first, on your own? His argument seems circular to me, unless I'm reading it incorrectly.

While I do know that the inspiration and instruction of others is a highly beneficial tool for the Christian, I don't understand how you can read the Bible truthfully without starting at the Bible. Other men bring in traditions, worldviews, personal preferences, and biases that color their interpretations. Of course, so do you, but it's easier to remove your own filters than to remove others'.

Or maybe I'm taking this preface too seriously/incorrectly. I'm not sure.

PS: I commented on Kelli's post.