Premanand Maharaj Ji
Why doesn't reading scripture or chanting help if my character is not good?
Scripture needs pure character
If character is not right, intellect will not become pure even while reading the Gita or chanting the Name. The secret of the scriptures will not shine in a person without character; it shines in the person of conduct who controls the senses and is self-restrained.
Even if a person without character memorises the Gita or the scriptures, the secret of the scriptures will not be revealed to them.