251. PSA 119:72. THE PRECIOUSNESS OF THE DIVINE WORD

Psa_119:72. The Preciousness of the Divine Word

"The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver."’97Psa_119:72.

In this interesting passage we have presented,

I. The true Nature of the Word of God.

"The law of thy mouth."

Observe, then,

1. Its authority.

It is a "law." As such it is a rule of conduct; solemnly obligatory; and supported by rewards and punishments.

2. Its divinity.

The law of God’s "mouth. "Not of human but of divine origin. The revelation of God’s mind to man. 2Ti_3:16. 2Pe_1:21. It possesses striking evidences of divinity.

Its great and sublime doctrines.

Its antiquity and preservation.

Its renovating influence, sanctifying power, &c. Joh_17:17. See Psa_19:7-9.

Consider,

II. Its inestimable Worth.

"Better to me than thousands of gold and silver."

1. In many things it resembles gold and silver.

(1) On account of its preciousness. Gold and silver most precious of metals. Word of God intrinsically so. Psa_138:2.

(2) In gold and silver there is much value in small compass. So the word of God. Of more worth than all the books in the universe. Every word precious &c. Several of its paragraphs of incalculable worth. See, as examples, Exo_34:6, &c. Luk_2:13-21. 1Ti_4:8.

(3) For their purity. Every word of God is pure. The standard of purity Pro_30:5.

(4) For their splendor.

Brightest of metals. So the word of God is luminous, resplendent, &c. As a light shining, &c.

(5) For their solidity and weight. Heaviest of metals. Hebrew word for gold, signifies to consolidate, &c. Word of God is solid, weighty; nothing trivial or light.

(6) For their inconsumable essence. Fire does not destroy, &c. It purifies, and removes only the dross. Word of God will stand every test. It has been tried for centuries, both by good and bad men; yet every word, and jot, and tittle, remains the same. It abideth forever.

(7) For their usefulness. Gold and silver have ever been a medium of trade &c. So of God’s word it is said, "The merchandise of it," &c. Gold and silver have been applied to ornament the person The word of God is the true ornament of the soul. Pro_4:9, &c. Of gold the vessels of the sanctuary were made, &c. So it is the truth which sanctifies us to the service of God, makes us holy vessels in his house.

But the law of God’s mouth,

2. Is better than gold and silver.

(1) Better in itself. Gold mere inanimate, senseless matter. The law of God’s mouth; the production of the divine mind; the transcript of the divine likeness. Heavenly and spiritual in its nature.

(2) Better in its object and design. Destined for the soul. The food of the mind, &c.

(3) Better in its effects. Gold and silver confer earthly advantages. The word of God, spiritual and eternal advantages.

(4) Better in point of essentiality. Gold and silver are dispensable; not truly essential. Word of God indispensable, and all-essential.

(5) Better in point of certainty. Gold and silver uncertain. "Make wings," &c. Word of God sure. Thieves cannot rob us.

(6) Better in point of durability. Gold and silver are corruptible; the word of God as incorruptible as the great Original from whence it proceeded.

Application

1. Bless God for his precious word. Next to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, his greatest gift to man.

2. Prize and revere it. Set your hearts upon it.

3. Seek to be greatly enriched with it. Covet much of it, &c. Lay it up. Dig for it.

4. Use it. Apply it to your diversity of condition. It is profitable for all seasons and circumstances.

5. What shall be the end of those who neglect the Gospel of Christ?

Autor: JABEZ BURNS