MORE DESIRABLE THAN GOLD

Psalm 19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey, and the honey comb.

Gold is a precious metal. Fine gold is the purest of this element. It has been, and still is, used in the minting of coins and in the manufacture of fine jewelry. It is a widely used standard for currency. Although a few other elements may have greater value per unit of measure, gold is generally referred to in measuring riches and wealth. Gold has been, and still is, great in value.

"Gold of Ophir" is mentioned a number of times in the Old Testament books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles. The exact location of this domain receives much speculation, but still remains a mystery. However, from these readings, we understand that this was a geographical region accessible by sea from which some of the finest gold was obtained in the days of King Solomon. It was used extensively in constructing and furnishing the temple of God in Jerusalem.

As in times past, gold is very desirable today. Generally it has a more stable value than other investments one can own. Therefore, it is often purchased in times of an unstable economy.

Honey is probably the purest of sweeteners. And who can doubt that the sweetest and best honey is found when it comes immediately from the honey comb. A person that is sincere has a very admirable trait. The word sincere is derived from the same root words that mean "pure honey."

Fine gold and pure honey are very desirable. Yet there is something more desirable than these. Verses 7 through 9, that precede the lesson text, describe things that are more desirable than fine gold or pure honey.

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul (Vs. 7a). God's law can be divided into two types of law. First, is God's law of nature, that is, the physical laws. We, as well as the universe that surrounds us, is God's creation. In the beginning of time, it was set in motion and is governed by natural laws. The laws of reproduction for both plant and animal life, the laws of gravity, electricity, motion, day and night, etc. Mankind may put them to use in various ways, but they came from, and belong to, God - their Creator.

Second, is God's spiritual law found in His Holy Word. In the beginning, before men and women were created, God had a plan for the eternal salvation forthe spiritual souls of men and women. This plan is contained in the bible and is proclaimed throughout the world, originally by the apostles, and today by Christ's church. These laws are perfect - no one can change them - there is no reason to change something that is perfect. When studied, both God's laws of nature and His spiritual laws, one can come to only one conclusion. We, as well as the laws under which we live, came from God.

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple (Vs.7b). God's testimony is noted throughout the bible. In2 Kings 17:13, God told Israel to keep My commandments and My statutes. In Matthew 3:17, God testified of Jesus, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. It is recorded in Hebrews 10:30, that God said, Vengeance belongeth unto Me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, the Lord shall judge His people. These are but a few of God's testimonies.

God's testimony is sure. It can not be changed. Titus 1:2 tells us that what God says will stand because He cannot lie. If God says there will be a judgement day for all people, we had better believe it. When we believe what God has says, thenthe simple minds of mankind will become wise. The simple are those that are single minded - those that desire eternal salvation. By studying God's testimony, we become wise.

The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart (Vs. 8a). Statutes are fixed rules of conduct. God's law is filled with specific rules, or statutes whereby we are to conduct our lives here on earth. Just as specific civil statutes govern our daily lives here on earth, statutes of the Lord govern both our physical and spiritual lives. When disobeyed, both result in punishment. Civil punishments may be fines, confinement or even physical death. Spiritual punishment is eternal torment in a place prepared for the disobedient.

God's statutes are right. They are the rules that govern our conduct while here on earth. They tell us what manner of person we ought to be. When accepted and used to form our character, or manner of life, they rejoice the heart, and we find happiness.

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes (Vs. 8b). God's commandments tell us two things. They tell us what we are to do and they tell us what we are not to do. Consider the ten commandments given through Moses to the nation of Israel. Consider Jesus' summation of God's commandments as recorded in Matthew 22:37-40. The great commandment Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind," and the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

We talk about things being "pure and simple". God's commandments are pure and simple. They are ordered by God, they are understandable, and they are easily obeyed. Once His commandments are accepted and studied, it is easy to understand what we should do and what we should not do. We can understand right from wrong; through our eyes we study His Word and are enlightened.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever (Vs. 9a). When we give God the reverence due as our Creator, it will cause us to be spiritually clean. We will be purified as fine silver and gold. It causes us to lead a life on earth as pure and as spotless as possible. As long as we have this reverence, fear, and awe of God, we will continue to be obedient to Him and it will endure for ever.

The judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether (Vs. 9b). God will judge our conduct of life here on earth. That fact is sure - God said it and God cannot lie. That judgement will be true, it will be sure, and it will stand. The sentence will be eternal reward or eternal punishment. Regardless of which reward we receive, we can rest assured that it will be righteous altogether. Each of us will be given what we truly deserve based on our conduct of life here on earth.

What is to be desired more than fine gold or honey from the honey comb? It is God's laws, testimony, statutes, commandments, fear, and judgements. Verse 11 says that by them we are warned and, in the keeping of them, there is great reward. What is your desire?