Text: Ps. 119:72
“The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”
In every age of the church, one question silently tests the hearts of God’s people: What do we truly value most? Our schedules, our conversations, and our habits often reveal the answer more honestly than our words. The psalmist declares with holy conviction, “The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”
This confession stands as a challenge to every generation, but perhaps never more urgently than in our own time; an age overflowing with information yet starving for truth. If the church is to remain faithful in this confused era; We must recover a deep, reverent, and joyful love for the Scriptures.
1. The Infinite Worth of the Scriptures
The Bible is not merely a religious book among other books. It is the very Word of the living God. Early Christian teacher Gregory described the Scriptures as “the heart and soul of God.” In them God reveals His will, His character, His promises, and His salvation.
The Jewish rabbis used to say that “there is a mountain of meaning upon every point and tittle of Scripture.” Even the smallest mark in it carries divine wisdom. That is why the psalmist proclaims: “The law of the Lord is perfect.” (Psalm 19:7). Scripture is therefore not a collection of human reflections about God; it is God’s own speech to humanity.
The Bible is:
- The library of the Holy Spirit
- A code of divine knowledge
- The perfect model and platform of true religion
Within its pages are the Credenda, I mean the things we must believe and the Agenda, the things we must practise. It teaches us truth and shapes our lives. As Paul reminds Timothy: “From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:15). Without Scripture, we would know neither the depth of our sin nor the glory of Christ our Saviour.
2. The Bible: God’s Divine Compass for Life
Scripture functions as the standard of truth and the judge of every controversy. When opinions multiply and ideologies clash, the church must ask only one decisive question: “What does the Word of God say?”
The Bible is like:
- A pole star guiding travellers across a dark sea
- A compass steering the rudder of our will
- A sea mark warning sailors of hidden rocks
In the Scriptures we find Christ Himself, the pearl of great price hidden in the field of God’s revelation.
Imagine a traveller lost deep in a wilderness. His phone battery has died, his map is gone, and the night is approaching. Suddenly someone places a reliable compass in his hands. That compass becomes more precious than gold because it gives direction and reignites life.
This is exactly what the Word of God is for our souls. In a morally confused culture where truth shifts daily, Scripture remains the fixed compass of heaven. Martin Luther once said: “Take away the Word, and you deprive us of the sun.” Without Scripture, the world sinks into spiritual darkness.
3. The Healing Power of the Word
The Bible is not merely instructive. It is transformative. Scripture describes it as the universal medicine for the soul. The book of Revelation speaks of the tree of life: “The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2).
God’s Word heals the soul in many ways:
- It awakens the sinner
- It comforts the broken-hearted
- It corrects the wandering believer
- It strengthens the weary saint
- James tells us: “Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth.” (James 1:18)
- And Peter adds: “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk of the word.” (1 Peter 2:2)
The Word gives birth to faith and nourishes spiritual growth. Just as a child cannot live without milk, the Christian cannot thrive without Scripture.
Imagine A Starving Church
Many churches today attempt to grow through entertainment, marketing, or motivational speeches. Yet they often neglect the deep teaching of Scripture. It is like trying to feed a family with decorated plates but no food. The Word of God is the bread of life. When you remove it, even the most vibrant church will slowly starve.
4. The Scriptures as Our Spiritual Defence
The Bible is also our weapon in spiritual warfare.
It is: The antidote against error and apostasy. The two-edged sword that wounds the ancient serpent. The tower of David where the shields of faith hang.
When Satan tempted Christ in the wilderness, Jesus did not argue with philosophy or emotion. Instead, He answered repeatedly: “It is written.” Behold, the Word of God remains the believer’s greatest defence against sin and deception.
5. Historical Examples of Treasuring the Word
Throughout history, God’s people have demonstrated profound reverence for Scripture.
King Edward VI
At his coronation, King Edward VI of England was presented with three swords symbolising his authority over three kingdoms. Yet the young king declared: “There is one sword missing, the Holy Bible, the sword of the Spirit. It is to be preferred before all these standards of royalty.”
Another ruler once said to his friend: “The Scriptures are dearer to me than my kingdom. If I must lose one, I would rather lose my crown than the Word of God.”
Job’s Testimony
Even the suffering patriarch Job confessed: “I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.” (Job 23:12). The psalmist as well said, (Psalm 119:103) it is sweeter than honey to my mouth.
6. How We Should Approach the Scriptures
a. Come with an Honest Heart
Jesus speaks of those who receive the Word with an “honest and good heart” (Luke 8:15). This means we come willing to hear the whole counsel of God, not merely the parts we like.
Many people treat Scripture like a patient who refuses bitter medicine but gladly drinks sweet syrup. They accept comforting verses but ignore commands about repentance, holiness, and obedience. But a sincere heart says like Job: “What I do not see, teach me.”
b. Come Desiring Transformation
We do not read Scripture merely to gain information. We read it to be changed by it. Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17).
Some approach the Bible like visitors in a flower garden, looking only for pleasant ideas. Augustine confessed that before his conversion he listened to sermons mainly for beautiful rhetoric rather than spiritual truth. But we must come like Naaman to the waters of the Jordan, seeking healing from the leprosy of sin.
c. Apply the Word Personally
Scripture profits us only when we apply it to ourselves. When the Word rebukes sin, we must ask: “Is this speaking to my heart?” When the Word commands obedience, we must say: “God intends this for me.”
King Josiah demonstrated this spirit when the Book of the Law was read to him. Instead of dismissing it as ancient history, he tore his clothes and humbled himself before God (2 Kings 22:11). The Word becomes powerful when we bring it home to our own hearts.
7. The Urgent Need for Scripture Today
Our generation is flooded with information, social media opinions, political narratives, and endless digital voices. Yet much of it is confused, shallow, or false. In such an age, the church desperately needs the steady authority of God’s Word.
Without Scripture:
- Morality becomes relative
- Truth becomes negotiable
- Faith becomes emotional rather than doctrinal
But with Scripture: The church stands on solid rock. Believers grow in holiness and wisdom. Christ is clearly revealed as the only Savior. The Bible remains the church’s greatest treasure.
Treasuring the Word Above All
Imagine losing every possession, your house, your career, your wealth; but still having the Word of God. You would still possess the greatest treasure in the universe.
For in Scripture, we meet:
- The voice of God; The revelation of Christ; The path of salvation; The hope of eternal life
Let us therefore echo the psalmist’s confession: “The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.”
May the Lord restore in our hearts a deep love for His Word; so that we read it with humility, apply it with sincerity, and cherish it above every earthly treasure.
For where the Word of God is honoured, Christ is known, the church is strengthened, and souls are saved.
