diff --git a/lib/reline/config.rb b/lib/reline/config.rb
index 3e6c42df48..c2b50a95a2 100644
--- a/lib/reline/config.rb
+++ b/lib/reline/config.rb
@@ -158,7 +158,7 @@ def reset_default_key_bindings
   end
 
   def read_lines(lines, file = nil)
-    if lines.first.encoding != Reline.encoding_system_needs
+    if not lines.empty? and lines.first.encoding != Reline.encoding_system_needs
       begin
         lines = lines.map do |l|
           l.encode(Reline.encoding_system_needs)
diff --git a/test/reline/test_config.rb b/test/reline/test_config.rb
index b6d2ec7d7e..aa549a392d 100644
--- a/test/reline/test_config.rb
+++ b/test/reline/test_config.rb
@@ -311,6 +311,12 @@ def test_inputrc_with_eucjp
     # do nothing
   end
 
+  def test_empty_inputrc
+    assert_nothing_raised do
+      @config.read_lines([])
+    end
+  end
+
   def test_xdg_config_home
     home_backup = ENV['HOME']
     xdg_config_home_backup = ENV['XDG_CONFIG_HOME']