Gold is a valuable asset. Down through the centuries gold has had a special mystique all its own. Kings have fought over it and the rich have hoarded it. Today owning gold is still considered a great sign of wealth. Even in biblical times gold was a very valuable commodity and could be bartered for great possessions.
However, as much as one desires to possess gold, the Bible tells us that we should cherish something much more than gold. (Psalm 119:72) shares one of my favorite Bible verses: “The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.” My friends, while only a few of us can own large amounts of gold, all of us can own the most valuable physical possession I know – a Bible. As one reads (Psalm 119) we see how great a value the psalmist places on the Word of God.
In (Psalm 19:7-11) David pens one of the greatest sections on the value of Scripture in all the Bible:
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.
In this portion of Scripture David says that the Word of God is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, and true. No wonder he says that the Scriptures are: “More to be desired are they than gold.” (Psalm 19:10). Notice also that David says in (verse 11) that the Bible and its teachings warn us as well as reward us. To fail to heed the commands of Scripture will always bring us long-term trouble. While obeying the Word is guaranteed to bring us “great reward,” and untold blessings; now and in eternity. Throughout the entire book of Psalms, we see that David has a deep love and respect for the Scriptures.
Not only will we be greatly blessed by knowing and following the Word of God, but we will accumulate great wisdom in the process. Just how valuable is Godly wisdom can be seen from (Proverbs 3:13-18):
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding.
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
Again, not only is Godly wisdom better than gold (verse 14) but the combination of wisdom and the Word is sheer dynamite! Is it any wonder that the psalmist proclaims: “I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure.” (Psalm 119:162). And if to demonstrate true wisdom the psalmist also shares: “Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore, my soul keeps them.” (Psalm 119:129).
So, as we can see gold is valuable, but the Bible is priceless!