Psalm 119:72 - Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet
Audio Bible
Context
Your Word is a Lamp to My Feet
…71It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. 72The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. 73Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments.…
Cross References
Proverbs 8:10-11
Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. / For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.Proverbs 3:13-15
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.Job 28:15-19
It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. / It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. / Neither gold nor crystal can compare to it, nor jewels of fine gold be exchanged for it. ...Matthew 13:44-46
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and in his joy he went and sold all he had and bought that field. / Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. / When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.Psalm 19:9-10
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. / They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.Colossians 2:2-3
that they may be encouraged in heart, knit together in love, and filled with the full riches of complete understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, / in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.1 Peter 1:7
so that the proven character of your faith—more precious than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.Philippians 3:8
More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain ChristJames 1:18
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.Psalm 119:127
Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold.Psalm 119:14
I rejoice in the way of Your testimonies as much as in all riches.Psalm 119:111
Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.Psalm 119:162
I rejoice in Your promise like one who finds great spoil.Romans 11:33
O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!
Treasury of Scripture
The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver.
better
Psalm 119:14,111,127,162
I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches…
Psalm 19:10
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Proverbs 3:14,15
For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold…
Jump to Previous
Better Gold Law Mouth Pieces Precious Silver ThousandsJump to Next
Better Gold Law Mouth Pieces Precious Silver ThousandsPsalm 119
1. This psalm contains various prayers, praises, and professions of obedience.2. Aleph.
9. Beth
17. Gimel
25. Daleth
33. He
41. Waw
49. Zayin
57. Heth
65. Teth
73. Yodh
81. Kaph
89. Lamedh
97. Mem
105. Nun
113. Samekh
121. Ayin
129. Pe
137. Tsadhe
145. Qoph
153. Resh
161. Sin and Shin
169. Taw
The law from Your mouth
This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the law, indicating that it is not merely a human construct but a direct communication from God. In the context of the Old Testament, "the law" often refers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This highlights the importance of divine revelation and the authority of Scripture. The phrase underscores the belief that God's words are life-giving and foundational for righteous living. In the New Testament, Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17), and His teachings are considered the ultimate expression of God's will.
is more precious to me
The psalmist expresses a deep personal value for God's law, suggesting an intimate relationship with the Scriptures. This reflects a heart that treasures divine wisdom above all else. In biblical times, wisdom literature, such as Proverbs, often extolled the value of wisdom and understanding as more precious than material wealth (Proverbs 3:13-15). This sentiment is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver
Gold and silver were the primary measures of wealth in ancient times, symbolizing prosperity and security. By comparing the law to these precious metals, the psalmist conveys that spiritual wealth far surpasses material wealth. This comparison is a common biblical theme, as seen in Proverbs 8:10-11, where wisdom is valued above silver and gold. The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus teaching about the futility of storing up earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). The psalmist's valuation of God's law over material wealth points to a life oriented towards eternal values rather than temporal gains.
Persons / Places / Events
1. Psalmist
The author of Psalm 119, traditionally believed to be King David, who expresses a deep love and reverence for God's law.
2. God
The divine source of the law, whose words are valued above material wealth.
3. Israel
The nation to whom the law was originally given, serving as a context for the psalmist's devotion.
4. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave the law to Moses, symbolizing the divine origin of the law.
5. Temple Worship
The setting in which the law was read and revered, highlighting its centrality in the life of the Israelites.
Teaching Points
Value of God's Word
The psalmist's declaration challenges us to evaluate what we truly treasure. Do we hold God's Word in higher esteem than material wealth?
Spiritual Wealth vs. Material Wealth
In a world that often prioritizes financial success, this verse reminds us to seek spiritual riches that have eternal significance.
Daily Devotion
The psalmist's love for the law encourages us to engage with Scripture daily, allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions.
God's Law as Guidance
The law is not just a set of rules but a guide for living a life that pleases God. We should seek to understand and apply it in our daily lives.
Contentment in God's Provision
By valuing God's Word above wealth, we learn contentment and trust in God's provision for our needs.
(72) Better unto me--i.e., better for me.
Thousands of.--We must supply shekels or pieces.
Verse 72. - The Law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver; i.e. I value it more than any amount of earthly riches. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands [of pieces] of gold and silver. Links
תֽוֹרַת־ (ṯō·w·raṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8451: Direction, instruction, law
פִּ֑יךָ (pî·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6310: The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to
טֽוֹב־ (ṭō·wḇ-)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good
לִ֥י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew
מֵ֝אַלְפֵ֗י (mê·’al·p̄ê)
Preposition-m | Number - masculine plural construct
Strong's 505: A thousand
זָהָ֥ב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky
וָכָֽסֶף׃ (wā·ḵā·sep̄)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money
Psalm 119:72 NLT
Psalm 119:72 ESV
Psalm 119:72 NASB
Psalm 119:72 KJVPsalm 119:72 BibleApps.com
Psalm 119:72 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 119:72 Chinese Bible
Psalm 119:72 French Bible
Psalm 119:72 Catholic BibleOT Poetry: Psalm 119:72 The law of your mouth is better (Psalm Ps Psa.)