The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
Parallel Translations
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The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
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The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
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The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Cross-references (10)
Passages linked to Psalms 119:72 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- Proverbs 8:10-11 Receive my instruction rather than silver, knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can’t be compared to it.
- Psalms 19:10 They are more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold, sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.
- Psalms 119:127 Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold.
- Proverbs 16:16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
- Psalms 119:162 I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great plunder.
- Matthew 13:44-46 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field. “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls, who having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
- Psalms 119:14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.
- Psalms 119:111 I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.
- Proverbs 8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.
- Proverbs 3:14-15 For her good profit is better than getting silver, and her return is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
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John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain Psa 119:72 The law of thy mouth [is] better…
Psa 119:72 The law of thy mouth [is] better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Ver. 72. The law of thy mouth is better unto me, &c.] For what is all this trash to that true treasure, those lively and life giving oracles? Dionysius worthily preferred Plato before Aristippus, because the one was ever craving money of him, but the other books. It is reported of Plato, that for three choice books he gave thirty thousand silverlings or florins. Now, what were all his books to the Bible? To blame, then, was that Anabaptist, who said in Melancthon’s hearing that he would not give two pence for all the Bibles in the world (Joh. Maul. loc. com. 78).
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain Not only thy promises, but even thy precepts, which…
Not only thy promises, but even thy precepts, which are so unpleasant and hard to ungodly men, to me they are more desirable and more needful and profitable, because they do not only give me abundant satisfaction and comfort in this life, but also they conduct me with safety and delight unto that eternal and most blessed life, where gold and silver bear no price.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Matthew Henry 1710 · Public Domain This is a reason why David reckoned that when…
This is a reason why David reckoned that when by his afflictions he learned God's statutes, an the profit did so much counterbalance the loss, he was really a gainer by them; for God's law, which he got acquaintance with by his affliction, was better to him than all the gold and silver which he lost by his affliction. 1. David had but a little of the word of God in comparison with what we have, yet see how highly he valued it; how inexcusable then are we, who have both the Old and New Testament complete, and yet account them as a strange thing! Observe, Therefore he valued the law, because it is the law of God's mouth, the revelation of his will, and ratified by his authority. 2. He had a great deal of gold and silver in comparison with what we have, yet see how little he valued it. His riches increased, and yet he did not set his heart upon them, but upon the word of God. That was better to him, yielded him better pleasures, and better maintenance, and a better inheritance, than all the treasures he was master of. Those that have read, and believe, David's Psalms and Solomon's Ecclesiastes, cannot but prefer the word of God far before the wealth of this world.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible (1708–1710) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for…
Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort,.... Shown in the provision and promise of a Saviour; in the forgiveness of sins through him; a discovery and application of which yields comfort under afflictions;
according to thy word unto servant; a word of promise, in which he had assured him of his love, grace, mercy, and kindness; and that he would continue it to him, and comfort him with it: to make such a promise, and show such favour, was an instance of condescending grace to him, who was but his servant, and unworthy of his regard.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 72. The law of thy mouth is better]…
Verse 72. The law of thy mouth is better] Who can say this? Who prefers the law of his God, the Christ that bought him, and the heaven to which he hopes to go, when he can live no longer upon earth, to thousands of gold and silver? Yea, how many are there who, like Judas, sell their Saviour even for thirty pieces of silver? Hear this, ye lovers of the world and of money!
As the letter ט teth begins but few words, not forty, in the Hebrew language, there is less variety under this division than under any of the preceding.
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ANALYSIS OF LETTER TETH. - Ninth Division
The psalmist, having been afflicted, shows, -
I. How graciously God dealt with him, in bringing him profitably through it.
II. Prays for a right judgment and knowledge.
III. Expresses his love to God's law, and the value he set upon it.
I. The psalmist gives thanks for mercy granted in affliction.
1. "Thou hast dealt graciously with thy servant." Graciously in afflicting him, and graciously in relieving him.
2. And this thou hast done "according to thy word." Thou hast fulfilled thy promise.
II. He prays to be taught of God: -
1. "Teach me good judgment." Many judge badly; for they think that affliction is a sign of God's displeasure. Let me have that good judgment that receives it as a fatherly correction from thee.
2. He asks for science and knowledge. A spiritual perception, and taste for heavenly things.
3. For this he gives his reason: "I have believed thy commandments." If we believe not God, we cannot profit by his word.
4. There is something remarkable in the manner of asking: 1. A good or sound judgment. 2. Knowledge; for without a sound judgment, knowledge is of no use.
III. He acknowledges that God's chastisements had done him good.
1."Before I was afflicted." Prosperity is often the mother or error.
2. "Now I have kept thy word." Schola crucis, schola lucis, "The school of the cross is the school of light."
3. He acknowledges that the good God had done him good. To have a right notion of God is a great blessing.
IV. Much of the psalmist's affliction proceeded from wicked men. These he describes: -
1. They were proud. Pride is the mother of rebellion, both against God and man.
2. They were liars. Evil speaking and calumny are the first weapons of persecutors.
3. They forged these lies; they invented them. There was none ready to their hand, so they framed some to serve their purpose.
4. The psalmist opposes them with humility and truth: "I will keep thy precepts."
5. He shows more particularly their moral character: "Their heart was as fat as grease;" they were stupid, brutish, hoggish. Their god was their belly. 1. Because they abounded in wealth, they were proud. 2. Because they pampered themselves, they were stupid, and incapable of moral feeling. The fat is the least sensible part of the animal system.
V. He shows the condition of the godly.
1. They see God's hand in their afflictions.
2. They learn his statutes.
3. They prefer his word to all earthly treasures; and,
4. They persevere in this heavenly disposition, because they continue to depend on God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain The law of thy mouth - The law which…
The law of thy mouth - The law which proceeds out of thy mouth, or which thou hast spoken.
Is better unto me - The Hebrew is, “Good to me is the law of thy mouth above thousands of gold and silver.”
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Than thousands of gold and silver - Than any amount of wealth. It is to me the most valuable possession; that which I prize above all other things. Compare the notes at Psa 19:10.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 72. This is the lesson he has learnt in…
72. This is the lesson he has learnt in the school of affliction—the inestimable preciousness of God’s law. Cp. Psa_119:14; Pro_8:10-11.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (72) Better unto me—i.e., better for me.
(72) Better unto me—i.e., better for me.
Thousands of.—We must supply shekels or pieces.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain The Law of thy mouth is better unto me…
The Law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver; i.e. I value it more than any amount of earthly riches.
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Charles H. Spurgeon 1885 · Public Domain Ver. 72. The law of thy mouth. A sweetly…
Ver. 72. The law of thy mouth. A sweetly expressive name for the word of God. It comes from God's own mouth with freshness and power to our souls. Things written are as dried herbs; but speech has a liveliness and dew about it. We do well to look upon the word of the Lord as though it were newly spoken into our ear; for in very truth it is not decayed by years, but is as forcible and sure as though newly uttered. Precepts are prized when it is seen that they come forth from the lips of our Father who is in heaven. The same lips which spoke us into existence have spoken the law by which we are to govern that existence. Whence could a law so sweetly proceed as from the mouth of our covenant God? Well may we prize beyond all price that which comes from such a source.
Is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. If a poor man had said this, the world's witlings would have hinted that the grapes are sour, and that men who have no wealth are the first to despise it; but this is the verdict of a man who owned his thousands, and could judge by actual experience of the value of money and the value of truth. He speaks of great riches, he heaps it up by thousands, he mentions the varieties of its forms, "gold and silver"; and then he sets the word of God before it all, as better to him, even if others did not think it better to them. Wealth is good in some respects, but obedience is better in all respects. It is well to keep the treasures of this life; but far more commendable to keep the law of the Lord. The law is better than gold and silver, for these may be stolen from us, but not the word; these take to themselves wings, but the word of God remains; these are useless in the hour of death, but then it is that the promise is most dear. Instructed Christians recognize the value of the Lord's word, and warmly express it, not only in their testimony to their fellow men, but in their devotions to God. It is a sure sign of a heart which has learned God's statutes when it prizes them above all earthly possessions; and it is an equally certain mark of grace when the precepts of Scripture are as precious as its promises. The Lord cause us thus to prize the law of his mouth.
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See how this portion of the psalm is flavoured with goodness. God's dealings are good (Ps 119:65), holy judgment is good (Ps 119:66), affliction is good (Ps 119:67), God is good (Ps 119:68), and here the law is not only good, but better than the best of treasure. Lord, make us good, through thy good word. Amen.
Ver. 72. The law of thy mouth is better unto me, etc. Highly prize the Scriptures. Can he make a proficiency in any art, who doth slight and deprecate it? Prize this book of God above all other books. St. Gregory calls the Bible "the heart and soul of God." The rabbins say, that a mountain of sense hangs upon every apex and title of Scripture. "The law of the Lord is perfect": Ps 19:7. The Scripture is the library of the Holy Ghost; it is a pandect of divine knowledge, an exact model and platform of religion. The Scripture contains in it the credenda, "the things which we are to believe, "and the agenda, "the things which we are to practise." It is "able to make us wise unto salvation": 2Ti 3:15. The Scripture is the standard of truth, the judge of controversies; it is the pole star to direct us to heaven: Isa 8:20. "The commandment is a lamp": Pr 6:23. The Scripture is the compass by which the rudder of our will is to be steered; it is the field in which Christ, the Pearl of price, is hid; it is a rock of diamonds; it is a sacred collyrium, or eyesalve; it mends their eyes that look upon it; it is a spiritual optic glass in which the glory of God is resplendent; it is the panacy, or universal medicine for the soul. The leaves of Scripture are like the "leaves of the tree of life, for the healing of the nations": Re 22:2. The Scripture is both the breeder and feeder of grace. How is the convert born, but by "the word of truth"? Jas 1:18. How doth he grow, but by "the sincere milk of the word"? 1Pe 2:2. The word written is the book out of which our evidences for heaven are fetched; it is the sea mark which shows us the rocks of sin to avoid; it is the antidote against error and apostasy, the two edged sword which wounds the old serpent. It is our bulwark to withstand the force of lust; like the Capitol of Rome, which was a place of strength and ammunition. The Scripture is the "tower of David, "wherein the shields of our faith hang: So 4:4. "Take away the word and you deprive us of the sun, " said Luther. The word written is above an angelic embassy, or voice from heaven. "This voice which came from heaven we heard... We have also a more sure Word": 2Pe 1:18, 19. O, prize the word written; prizing is the way to profiting. If Caesar so valued his commentaries, that for preserving them he lost his purple robe, how should we estimate the sacred oracles of God? "I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." Thomas Watson, in "The Morning Exercises".
Ver. 72. The law of thy mouth is better unto me. The sacred Scriptures are the treasures and pleasures of a gracious soul: to David they were better than thousands of gold and silver. A mountain of transparent pearls, heaped as high as heaven, is not so rich in treasure as these; hence that good man chose these as his heritage for ever, and rejoiced in them as in all riches. A covetous miser could not take such delight in his bags, nor a young heir in a large inheritance, as holy David did in God's word.
The word law comes from a root that signifies to try as merchants that search and prove the wares that they buy and lay up; hence also comes the word for gems and jewels that are tried, and found right. The sound Christian is the wise merchant, seeking goodly pearls; he tries what he reads or hears by the standard or touchstone of Scripture, and having found genuine truths he lays them up to the great enriching of this supreme and sovereign faculty of the understanding. Oliver Heywood.
Ver. 72. The word of God must be nearer to us than our friends, dearer to us than our lives, sweeter to us than our liberty, and more pleasant to us than all earthly comforts. John Mason.
Ver. 72. One lesson, taught by sanctified affliction, is, the love of God's word. "This is my comfort, in my affliction: thy word hath quickened me." In reading a part of the one hundred and nineteenth psalm to Miss Westbrook, who died, she said, "Stop, sir, I never said so much to you before I never could; but now I can say, `The word of thy mouth, is dearer to me, than thousands of gold and silver.' What can gold and silver do for me by now?" George Redford, in "Memoirs of the late Rev. John Cooke", 1828.
Ver. 72. Thousands of gold and silver. Worldly riches are gotten with labour, kept with care, lost with grief. They are false friends, farthest from us when we have most need of comfort; as all worldlings shall find to be true in the hour of death. For then, as Jonah's gourd was taken from him in a morning, when he had most need of it against the sun; so is it with the comfort of worldlings. It is far otherwise with the word of God; for if we will lay it up in our hearts, as Mary did, the comfort thereof shall sustain us, when all other comfort shall fail us.
This it is that makes us rich unto God, when our souls are storehouses, filled with the treasures of his word. Shall we think it poverty to be scant of gold and silver? "An ideo angelus pauperest, quia non habet jumenta", etc (Chrysostom). Shall we esteem the angels poor, because they have not flocks of cattle? or that S. Peter was poor, because he had not gold nor silver to give unto the cripple? No, he had store of grace, by infinite degrees more excellent than it.
Let the riches of gold be left unto worldlings: these are not current: in Canaan, not accounted of in our heavenly country. If we would be in any estimation there, let us enrich our souls with spiritual graces, which we have in abundance in the mines and treasures of the word of God. William Cowper.
Ver. 72. The Scripture is an ever overflowing fountain that cannot be drawn dry, and an inexhausted treasure that cannot be emptied. To this purpose tend those resemblances of the law made use of by David in this psalm, and no less justly applicable to the gospel; it is not only better than "gold and silver, "which are things of value, but "thousands", which implies abundance. In another verse he compares it to all riches and great spoil, both which contain in them multiplex genus, all sorts of valuable commodities, sheep, oxen, lands, houses, garments, goods, moneys, and the like: thus are all sorts of spiritual riches, yea, abundance of each sort, to be had in the gospel. And therefore the Greek fathers compare Scripture verities to precious stones, and our Saviour to a pearl of great price. A minister, in this respect, is called a merchant of invaluable jewels; for, indeed, gospel truths are choice and excellent, as much worth as our souls, as heaven, as salvation is. Nay, should I go higher, look what worth there is in the riches of God's grace, the precious blood of Christ, that may secondarily be applied to the gospel, which discovereth and offereth both to us. Abraham Wright.
Ver. 72,127. When David saw how some make void the law of God, he saith, "Therefore I love thy commandments above gold: yea, above fine gold." As if he had said, I love thy law all the more because I see some men esteem and reckon it as if it were dross, and throw it up as void and antiquated, or taking the boldness, as it were, to repeal and make it void, that they may set up their own lusts and vain imaginations. Because I see both profane and superstitious men thus out of love with thy law, therefore my love is more enfamed to it, "I love it above gold, "which leads the most of men away captives in the love of it; and I esteem it more than that which is most esteemed by men, and gains men most esteem in this world, "fine gold"; yea, as he said (Ps 19:10) "more than much fine gold." Joseph Caryl.
Ver. 72. You that are gentlemen, remember what Hierom reports of Nepotianus, a young gentleman of Rome, qui longs et assidua meditatione Scripturarum pectus suum feterat bibliothecam Christi, who by long and assiduous meditation of the Scriptures, made his breast the library of Christ. Remember what is said of King Alfonsus, that he read over the Bible fourteen times, together with such commentaries as those times afforded.
You that are scholars, remember Cranmer and Ridley; the former learned the New Testament by heart in his journey to Rome, the latter in Pembroke hall walks in Cambridge. Remember what is said of Thomas a Kempis, that he found rest nowhere nisi in angulo, cum libello, but in a corner with this Book in his hand. And what is said of Beza, that when he was above fourscore years old he could say perfectly by heart any Greek chapter in Paul's Epistles.
You that are women, consider what Hierom saith of Paula, Eustochiam, and other ladies, who were singularly versed in the Holy Scriptures.
Let all men consider that hyperbolical speech of Luther, that he would not live in Paradise without the Word; and with it he could live well enough in hell. This speech of Luther must be understood cum grano salis. Edmund Calamy.
Ver. 72. The advantages of riches far excelled by the blessings of the word.
Ver. 72. A valuation.
1. The saints' high estimate of God's law.
2. Show when it was formed: in affliction: Ps 119:71.
3. Vindicate its truth by illustrating the hollowness of riches, and the satisfaction found in godliness. C.A.D.
Ver. 72. The word, better than gold and silver.
1. It gives what gold and silver cannot purchase.
2. Without what it gives, gold and silver may be a curse.
3. Without gold and silver, it may yield its treasure more freely and fully than with them.
4. The word and what it gives shall rejoice the heart when gold and silver shall be useless to their disappointed worshippers. J.F.
Ver. 72. The law of thy mouth is better, etc.
1. It is more refining, and makes me a better man.
2. It is more enriching, and makes me a wealthier man.
3. It is more distinguishing, and makes me a greater man.
4. It is more sustaining, and makes me a stronger man.
5. It is more preserving, and makes me a safer man.
6. It is more satisfying, and makes me a happier man.
7. It is more lasting, and better suited to me as an immortal man. W.J.
Psalms 119:73*
We have now come to the tenth portion, which in each stanza begins with Jod, but it certainly does not treat of jots and titles and other trifles. Its subject would seem to be personal experience and its attractive influence upon others. The prophet is in deep sorrow, but looks to be delivered and made a blessing. Endeavouring to teach, the Psalmist first seeks to be taught (verse 73), persuades Himself that he will be well received (74), and rehearses the testimony which he intends to bear (75). He prays for more experience (76, 77), for the baffling of the proud (78), for the gathering together of the godly to him (79), and for himself again that he may be fully equipped for his witness bearing and may be sustained in it (80). This is the anxious yet hopeful cry of one who is heavily afflicted by cruel adversaries, and therefore makes his appeal to God as his only friend.
Charles H. Spurgeon's The Treasury of David (1869–1885) — public domain. Psalms only. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain The law of Thy mouth is better unto me…
Psa_119:72
The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
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The Bible better than money
I. Because it gives us better food. It is well designated the word of life, because by it the life of God is implanted in the human spirit and by it preserved. Christ is our life, and the support of our life; and the Bible is full of Christ.
II. Because it gives us better raiment. It offers you the robe of righteousness, and the robe of joy;--robes that adorn, protect, exalt, and endure.
III. Because it gives us better friends. A true friend is the dearest treasure of earth. Money can give you friends; but they are seldom true. And even the richest friends that money can buy for you are not to be compared with the poorest friends the Bible can give, the true men of earth, the angels and archangels of heaven, the spirits of just men made perfect, the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, and the praises thereof, these are the friends the Bible offers you.
IV. Because it gives us better homes. Money can give you very fine houses. But it cannot give you a building of God, a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens. The Bible can. (J. Dunlop.)
Gods Word better than wealth
I. It secures a higher culture. It gives a freedom and a force to the intellect, a depth and a purity to the sympathies, a sensibility to the conscience, an invincibility to the purpose, a refinement to the tastes, a penetration to the eye, and a pinion to the imagination, that no other appliances on this earth can furnish.
II. It invests with a higher power. Wealth cannot impart magnanimity, fortitude, courage; but the Word of God does to the highest degree. It enables the soul to glory in tribulation, and to welcome death with rapture.
III. It opens up higher enjoyments. Wealth cannot give the enjoyment of an approving conscience, a loving spirit, an ever-brightening future, and the friendship of the everlasting Father.
IV. It connects with a higher world. The gold and silver of all the earth can form no connection between us and the celestial state, can procure us no admission into the heavenly world. Naked came we into the world, etc. But the Word of God abides in us, goes with us as our light and our sanctuary. (Homilist.)
The preciousness of the Divine Word
I. The true nature, of the Word of God.
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 Gods mouth: Not of human but of Divine origin. The revelation of Gods mind to man (2Ti_3:16; 2Pe_1:21). It possesses striking evidences of divinity.
(1) Its great and sublime doctrines.
(2) Its antiquity and preservation.
(3) Its renovating influence, sanctifying power, etc. (Joh_17:17).
II. Its inestimable worth.
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, etc.
(3) For their purity. Every word of God is pure. The standard of purity (Pro_30:5).
(4) For their splendour. So the Word of God is luminous, resplendent.
(5) For their solidity and weight. Word of God is solid, weighty; nothing trivial or light.
(6) For their unconsumable essence. Fire does not destroy, etc. It purifies, and removes only the dross.
(7):For their usefulness.
2. But it is better than gold and silver.
(1) Better in itself. Heavenly and spiritual in its nature.
(2) Better in its object and design. Destined for the soul.
(3) Better in its effects. Spiritual and eternal advantages.
(4) Better in point of essentiality.
(5) Better in point of certainty. Word of God sure. Thieves cannot rob us.
(6) Better in point of durability. 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, etc. 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? (J. Burns, D. D.)
The value of the Word of God
This is not an utterance in depreciation of gold and silver; precisely the reverse. It sets a high value upon them; and when sentimental pietists declare that they despise money and esteem gold as good for nothing, very many sensible people set it down as so much empty rant and nonsense. Gold is eminently useful in building a house and fitting it up with beauty and splendour, in providing food and raiment, and enabling a man to travel and secure all sorts of legitimate temporal enjoyments; but it makes him no wiser, no purer, no holier--it does not necessarily develop these qualities, or increase his faith, or fortify him against moral and spiritual evil, or expand his love to God and man; it often does the very reverse; while the outcome of Gods law is always, useful and good. Gold and silver are undeniably serviceable in many other directions which it were wrong and sinful fret to recognize. The progressive amelioration of the condition of our race by which this age is characterized beyond all others is instrumentally due in a large measure to the wise and generous use made of earthly treasures, in promoting religious and scientific education, and, above all, in scattering broadcast over the whole world the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So far as money is used for such purposes as these its utility and value can scarcely be overestimated. Yet we must place it in the category of the things which are temporal. But in seeking to form a just estimate of the value of the Word, let us view it--
I. In relation to intellectual development. The great purifying currents of thought that have elevated our race have been formed and directed by the Bible. This alone should be decisive. Without attempting to sketch the history of its brilliant achievements, it may be said in a word that the nations which do not possess or follow the Book move upon a far lower plane intellectually, morally, and spiritually than those which have it. Paganism, in its highest forms, has been an utter failure. Pagan lands have been, and are now, non-progressive and impure, the abodes of mental stagnation, festering vice and horrid cruelties, while Bible lands are fruitful in all manner of useful discoveries. They lead the van of the worlds mental and material progress. They revolutionize the commerce of nations. Their railways and steamships unite the ends of the earth and place its products and luxuries within the reach of all.
II. In relation to moral culture. It is not necessary to disparage ethical systems of heathen philosophers and others as if they contained no truth. Some of them contained a great deal. But looking over them from the days of Aristotle and Socrates to the time of the latest pagan writer, it may be said of them all that they lacked the great fundamental principle which is the backbone of Christian ethics, namely, an infallible standard by which to judge of right and wrong. This was their radical defect, and what renders worthless or positively injurious many systems of modern times. Men look in vain for the standard of right in self-interest, in utility, in feelings of benevolence, in pleasurable emotions, or in the dicta of unenlightened conscience--these are all shifting and uncertain, and, therefore, unfit to serve this purpose. But the Bible reveals an immutable and infallible standard. By general principles and specific precepts, by a comprehensive summary in the Ten Commandments, by the checkered and wonder-laden history of the chosen people, by the writings of inspired prophets and apostles, and by the incomparable lessons of the Lord Jesus Christ and by His spotless life as the incarnate God, the whole duty of man is enforced. Thus broadly and comprehensively viewed in relation to the moral government and culture of the world, who can doubt that Gods Word is better than thousands of gold and silver?
III. As an instrument of salvation to man. We may safely say that as a means of grace it surpasses all others. (D. H. MacVicar, D. D.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.