The Importance of the Word of God
In 19:1-6, the psalmist declares that God’s creation gives Him glory. God’s creation reveals His power, creativity, sovereignty, and kindness to mankind. Yet, it does not reveal God’s holiness, His mercy, His love, and His judgment upon sin. It is through the word of God that we can come to understand our sinful state, our purpose in this life, and salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. David describes the word of God as: perfect, restoring life, trustworthy, right, enlightening, enduring, and truth (19:7-9). Because of these qualities, God’s word is more desirable than fine gold, and sweeter than honey (19:10). There can be no salvation apart from the word of God (Rom10:17).
The psalmist in Psalm 19 says the Scriptures are, “perfect,” “sure,” “right,” “pure,” “clean,” and “true.” They “restore the soul,” “make wise,” “make glad,” and “give insight” (19:7-9). The Holy Spirit uses the Scriptures to transform our minds and reveal our remaining sin (Rom 12:1-2; Jn 17:17). It is through our obedience to the word of God that we are conformed to the image of Christ (2 Peter 1:5-8).
As you delight in the Lord (Ps 37:4), he will conform your desires to match His desires. You will long for Him and to be like Him (holy). As you grow you will see God’s word as the most desirous thing, even more important than gold and sweeter than honey (19:10).
God’s word not only reveals God’s nature and His salvation, but it guides the believer into a holy life (19:11-14). They “warn,” “give discernment,” reveal “hidden weakness,” and restrain from “presumptuous rebellion” that enslaves us to sin (19:11-13). It is through our submission to God’s word that our thinking and actions will be acceptable to God (19:14).