THE WORD OF GOD COMPARED TO RICHES

Riches are things that make one wealthy, especially material things like money and possessions. So, what do riches have to do with the Word of God? The average person knows the value of wealth: how to obtain it and where to store it as well as how and where to invest and use it. On the outside, the rich appear happy because they have all their needs met; they lack nothing and don’t even have to save up for anything. Their needs and wants are a checkbook or credit card away. They might even be envied by those who are not so fortunate.

The Bible compares riches and the Word of God in the book of Psalms: “I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word” (Psalm 119:14-16).

Child of God, how seriously do you take the Word of God? Do you understand its purpose? Do you know where to store it and how to get it out when needed? Does it meet all your needs, and does the way you use it impress others to the point of them wanting the same? Do you value it the way the psalmist does?

The Word of God is supposed to guide, instruct, and direct our path on our journey through this life until we’re ushered into God’s presence. How important is it in your life? Which one is more valuable to you: His Word or your riches? Some people become rich through inheritance, while many get wealth through hard work and saving and investing their earnings. Are you working as hard at knowing the Word of God as you are at making money?

Are you storing His Word in your heart where you can quickly get it when needed? Does the Word of God meet all your needs? Could you confidently say, “The LORD is my shepherd; I have all I need” (Psalm 23:1)? The rich are very confident in their riches; they probably don’t often think of the possibility of losing it all without warning, but it could happen. Riches are fleeting, the Word of God, however, endures forever and does not change!

The rich have to manage their riches carefully for fear of running out, but with His Word, we never run out; the Word of God never runs dry, no matter how many people draw from it or how often— “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

If we treat the Word of God the way the rich treat their riches, we will know the Word inside out, believe and trust in it, enjoy it, hold it in high esteem, rejoice in it, and allow it to transform our way of living for the better. Others will want what we have, giving us the opportunity to share with them to enrich their lives. 

As the psalmist says, may God help us to understand and treasure His Word in our hearts so we might not sin against Him; may His Word guide our feet and light our path. And oh, may we love his Word more than gold, even the finest gold. And when pressure and stress bear down on us, may we find joy in His commands (see Psalm 119:11, 105, 127, 143).