The Word of God.
This passage may be regarded as teaching three things concerning the Word of God, or the Bible.
I. WHAT IT IS. Six names are used, and six different statements are made with regard to the Bible.
1. It is "the Law of the Lord," and, as such, it is "perfect."
2. It is "the testimony of the Lord," and, as such, it is "sure." In it God speaks with solemn earnestness and insistance, and what he says may be trusted.
3. It is "the statutes of the Lord;" and the statutes of the Lord are "right." The way of duty is clearly and unmistakably marked out.
4. It is the "commandment of the Lord." It is not mere counsel or instruction, but has all the authority and awfulness of "commandment." And as such it is "pure," clear as crystal, illuminating as the light.
5. It is "the fear of the Lord." This may stand for religion (Proverbs 15:33; of. Deuteronomy 17:19), and as such it is "pure and undefiled." It is "our reasonable service."
6. Lastly, the Bible is spoken of as "the judgments of the Lord." This refers to the administration of the Law. God's "judgments," being the execution of his will, must be "true." Based upon the eternal principles of right, they must themselves be eternal.
II. WHAT THE BIBLE DOES.
1. "It converts the soul" (Psalms 23:3; 1 Timothy 1:15).
2. It "makes wise the simple" (Psalms 119:130; Acts 16:31).
3. It "rejoices the heart" (Psalms 119:162; Acts 8:39).
4. It "enlightens the eyes" (Psalms 16:11; Ephesians 1:18, Ephesians 1:19).
5. It "endureth for ever" (Psalms 100:5; 1 John 2:14-17).
What is here stated as doctrine is elsewhere illustrated as fact. It is, as we believe the doctrine, that we shall become witnesses to the facts (1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Peter 1:23-25).
III. WHAT THE BIBLE DESERVES. We have it in our hands. We have heard its character, and the claims made in its behalf, and what is our response? The language employed by the psalmist fitly expresses what our feelings and conduct should be, how we should treat God's most Holy Word.
1. It deserves to be valued more than gold.
2. It deserves to be loved and delighted in as "sweeter than honey and the honey-comb."
3. It deserves to be studied and obeyed with increasing devotion; for thereby our minds are enlightened, and our lives illumined, and great is our reward in purity and peace and the love of God. And if we have learnt its preciousness ourselves, we shall surely labour to make it known to others, that they also may be enriched by its treasures and blessed with its joys.—W.F.
HOMILIES BY C. SHORT