Sermon 80
Psalm 119:72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver.
These words may be conceived as a reason of what was said in the foregoing verse; David has told us there, that it was good for him that he was afflicted, because of the benefit obtained by his afflictions, he had learned God's statutes, knew more of his duty, and had a heart to keep closer to it: now this gain was more to him than his loss by affliction; for he does not value his happiness by his temporal interests, so much as by his thriving in godliness: all the wealth in the world was not so much to him as the spiritual benefit which he got by his sore troubles; For the law of your mouth, etc.
The text is a profession of his respect to the Word, a profession which contains in it the very spirit of godliness, a speech that becomes only such a man's mouth as David was, one that is sincerely godly. Many will be ready to make this profession, but other things do not suit: the profession of their mouths is contradicted by the disposition of their hearts, and the course and tenor of their lives. Observe here two things. 1. The things compared. 2. The value and preference of the one above the other.
1. The things compared; on the one side there is the law of God's mouth, on the other, thousands of gold and silver.
2. The value and preference of the one above the other; it is better to me, it is better in itself. There was reason for his esteem and choice. Many will say it is better in itself, but David says it is better to me. Let us explain these circumstances as they are laid.
1. The things compared.
1. On the one side there is the law of God's mouth, it is God's own Word, and we should be as sure of it as if we had heard him utter it and pronounce it with his own mouth, or had received it immediately by oracle from him. And indeed that is one way to raise this esteem (1 Thessalonians 2:13): Receiving it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which works effectually in you that believe. In the Word we must consider two things, the authority of it, and the ministry of it: if we consider the authority of it, so it comes from God's mouth; if we consider the ministry of it, so it comes by man's mouth, for he speaks to us by men (2 Peter 1:21): Holy men spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. If we look to the ministry only, and not to the authority, we are in danger to slight it; certainly shall not profit by it. Many do so, as Samuel thought Eli called him, when it was the Lord (1 Samuel 3:7-8); but when we consider who is the author of it, then it calls for our reverence and regard.
2. On the other side, thousands of gold and silver. Where wealth is set out 1. By the species and kind of it, gold and silver, gold for hoarding and portage, silver for present commerce. 2. The quantity, thousands, that is, thousands of pieces as that addition is used (Psalm 68:30): They shall submit themselves with pieces of silver, or talents, as the Chaldean Paraphrase expounds it. Money answers all things (Ecclesiastes 10:19); it can command all things in the world as the great instrument of commerce.
2. The value and preference of the one above the other, it is better, and it is better to me. It is better in itself, that notes the intrinsic worth of the Word; it is better to me, that implies his own esteem and choice. To say in the general only it is better, implies but a speculative approbation which may be in carnal men (Romans 2:18): And you approve the things that are more excellent: but to say it is better to me, implies a practical esteem, which is proper only to the regenerate. It is more dear, precious and sweet to them than the greatest treasure. Could we have such a holy affection to the Word, and say also to me, and to me, we should thrive more in a course of godliness. For a man is carried on powerfully by his choice and esteem, his actions are governed and determined by it.
Doctrine. The Word of God is dearer to a gracious heart than all the riches in the world.
Let me bring proofs (Psalm 19:10): More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold. So speaking of spiritual wisdom which is only to be had by the Word of God, he says (Proverbs 3:14): That the merchandise thereof is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. So (Proverbs 8:11): For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things which are to be desired, are not to be compared with it. These expressions are frequently used because the greatest part of mankind is miserably bewitched with the desire of riches, but God's children are otherwise affected; they have a better treasure.
Let me prove two things.
1. That the Word of God, and the benefit that we get by it, is better than thousands of gold and silver.
2. That the children of God do so esteem it. Both must be proved; the one to show the worth and excellency of the Word, the other to show the gracious disposition of the hearts of God's children. There is no question but that if these things were well weighed, the law of God's mouth, and thousands of gold and silver, we should find there is a great inequality between them: but all men have not a judgment to choose that which is most worthy. Many take glass beads for jewels, and prefer toys and trifles before a solid good. Gold and silver draw the hearts of all men to them, and their affections blind their judgment; and then, though the weights be equal, if the balances be not equal, wrong will be done. We do not weigh things with an equal balance, but consider them with a prejudiced mind, and a heart biased and prepossessed with worldly inclinations.
1. First then for the things themselves; surely gold and silver which is dug out of the bowels of the earth is not worthy to be compared with the law that comes out of the mouth of God; if you compare the nature, use, and duration of these benefits that you have by the one and the other, you will see a vast difference.
1. The nature; the notion of riches is abundance of valuable things. Now there are true riches, and counterfeit riches which have but the resemblance and show. The true riches is spoken of (Luke 16:11), and is opposed to that Mammon and pelf which the world dotes upon. Grace gives us the true riches and wealth. It is good to state what are the true riches and the false. The more abundance of truly valuable things a man has, the more he has of true riches: a child counts himself rich, when he has a great many pins, and points, and cherry-stones; for those suit his childish age and fancy. A worldly man counts himself rich, when he has gold and silver in great store by him, or lands and heritages, or bills and bonds; but a child of God counts himself rich, when he has God for his portion, Christ to his Redeemer, and the Spirit for his guide, sanctifier, and comforter; which is as much above a carnal man's estate in the world, as a carnal man's estate is above a child's toys and trifles, yes infinitely more. Well then, surely the Word of God will make us rich, because it reveals God to be our God, according to our necessity and capacity (Psalm 16:5-6): The Lord is my portion — I have a goodly heritage: and it reveals unsearchable riches of grace in Christ (Ephesians 2:7; Ephesians 3:8), pardon of sins, and life eternal. They that have Christ want nothing, but are completely happy. So for the Spirit, what are all the riches of the world to those treasures of knowledge, comfort, and holiness which we have by the Spirit? What is in one Evangelist, He will give his holy Spirit to them that ask him (Luke 11:13), is in another (Matthew 7:11): He will give good things to them that ask him. The Spirit is instead of all good things, so that the Word is able to enrich a man more than all the wealth of the world can. It gives us abundance, and abundance of better things, so that a man is not absolutely poor that wants gold and silver, but he that wants the benefits which the Word of God offers and conveys to us. Gold and silver are but one sort of riches, and but the lowest and meanest sort. You do not count a man poor if he has lands, though he has not ready money; much less is a man poor if he has gold, though he has not silver: so a Christian is not poor if he has God, and Christ, and the Spirit, though he say with the Apostle Peter, Silver and gold have I none (Acts 3:16). Angels are not poor though they have not flocks and herds, and yearly revenues, they have an excellency suitable to their natures. So a Christian is not poor while he possesses him who possesses all things. But that I may not seem only to say that the treasures of grace are the true riches, I shall prove it by two arguments.
1. That's the true riches which can buy and purchase all other things, but all other things cannot buy and purchase it: now all the riches in the world cannot buy and purchase those benefits which the Word offers to us. They cannot purchase the favor of God; For what hope has the hypocrite, if he has gained, when God comes to take away his soul? (Job 27:8). Many a carnal wretch does not make a saving bargain of it; but be it so, he looks for worldly gain and has it; what will this avail him when God puts the bond of the old covenant in suit, and demands his soul from him: he is loath to resign it, but God will have it. What can he give in exchange for his soul? Money cannot purchase the grace of the Redeemer (1 Peter 1:18): you are not redeemed with corruptible things; and (Psalm 44:6-8): The redemption of the soul is precious. Men would if they could, give a thousand worlds for the pardon of their sin, when they come to receive the fruit of it, but all will not do: the wrath of God must be appeased, and the justice of God satisfied by another kind of ransom. They cannot purchase the grace of the Spirit. Simon Magus would give money for the gifts of the Holy Ghost, but Peter said to him, Your money perish with you, because you have thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money (Acts 8:20). His request was base and carnal: yet thus far it yields a testimony to the truth in hand, that he thought the gift of the Holy Ghost better than money, or else he would not have offered his money for it; yes the lowest and far less necessary gift than his sanctifying, guiding, and comforting work: well then, all other things cannot purchase these benefits. But on the other side, these benefits procure all other things. Grace gives us an advantage in worldly things above others, for certainly man does not live by bread only (Matthew 4), and his life does not lie in worldly abundance: the natural, much more the sanctified and comfortable use of the creatures depends on the favor of God, and his fatherly care and providence which is assured to the heirs of promise (Matthew 6:33): First seek the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and these things shall be added. (1 Timothy 4:8): Godliness has the promise of this life, and that which is to come. (Proverbs 3:15-16): Wealth is not to be compared with wisdom: Because in her right hand is length of days, and in her left hand riches and honor. A child of God that is obedient to the Word, has more advantage for the world, than a wicked man has: he has a promise which the other has not, a warrant to cast his care upon God: he gets more by the want of worldly things, than a wicked man by the possession of them, for his want is sanctified, and works for good.
2. The world cannot recompense and supply the want of that grace we get by the Word, but this can easily supply the want of the world. The worth and value of things is known by this, what we can least want. Now there is no earthly thing but may be so supplied, as that its want should be better to us than its enjoyment. Sickness may be better to us than health, because of experiences of grace (2 Corinthians 12:10). Poverty may be better than wealth, because we may be rich in grace (James 1:9), so (James 2:5), so (1 Timothy 6:6). Godliness with contentment is great gain. Slender provisions with a contented heart is much better than a great deal more wealth. Godliness can supply the room of wealth, but wealth cannot supply the room of godliness. If the want of wealth helps us to an increase of grace and communion with God, it helps us to that which is of higher and greater value than the enjoyment of wealth could afford. But now on the other side, the world will not give us a recompense for the want of godliness (Matthew 16:26). What is a man profited if he shall gain the world and lose his soul? What shall be given to the party for that loss? His soul is lost not in a natural sense, but in a legal sense, forfeited to God's justice. We may please ourselves in our carnal choice for a while, but death blows away all our vain conceits (Jeremiah 17:11). At his latter end he shall be a fool. He was a fool before all his lifetime, but now in the judgment and conviction of his own conscience. His conscience shall rave at him, Oh fool, madman, to hazard the love of Christ for worldly things. These things cannot be recompensed by any other. What poor rewards can the world yield you for the loss of Christ and heaven? Alas, then you lose your treasure, and have nothing to comfort you but rattles and baubles, which will no more comfort us, than fine flowers will a man going to execution; thus in the nature of riches.
2. Let us come to the use and end of these things, the use of the law of God's mouth, and the use of wealth; the use of wealth is to support and maintain the present life, and the bodily state during our pilgrimage and passage through the world; but the use of the Word is to guide and direct us in the way to the blessedness of the world to come. The world supplies our bodily necessities, but the law of God is perfect, converting the soul (Psalm 19:7). It discovers a man's soul-misery, and remedy, as it directs to Christ, and enforces our obedience to God, and prescribes a universal adherence to him, and dependence on him. Our souls are fallen off from God by sin into a most doleful state, and have no other way of recovery than is prescribed in this blessed Word of God. There are three uses of the Word of God, and they do all commend and endear it to our respects.
1. It is the great means to sanctify and convey a divine principle and nature in us: it is not only the rule, but the seed of the new life (1 Peter 1:23). He has begotten us, not by corruptible, but incorruptible seed, etc. (James 1:18) He has begotten us by the word of truth. (2 Peter 1:4) To us are given great and precious promises, that we might be made partakers of the divine nature. (John 17:17) Sanctify them through your truth, your Word is truth. All this is said of the Word, it is the means to sanctify us, the immortal seed, the beginning of the new life, the divine nature to make us live after a godlike manner, therefore it is better than thousands of gold and silver. A child of God finds a greater treasure in one chapter of the Bible, than worldly men in all their lands and honors, and large revenues. A poor Christian meets with more true gain in a sermon, than others can in their trades while they live. God begets him at first by the word of truth, and gives him there the supply of the Spirit; therefore be swift to hear, much in reading, and meditation day and night; Oh there is the true treasure, the pearl of price, there their souls become acquainted with God.
2. It directs us and keeps us from being carried away with every deceit of sin (Psalm 119:105). Your word is a light to my path, and a lamp to my feet. Here are directions for all cases; here is a general direction, it is a light to our path, and shows us what to do in particular actions, it is a lamp to our feet. So (Psalm 119:133), Order my steps in your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me. It is the Word that prevents the reign of any one sin. To have a sure rule to walk by in the midst of so many snares and temptations, is a greater favor, than to enjoy the greatest affluence of worldly felicity.
3. It supports us in all our afflictions and extremities. All the wealth in the world composed and put together, cannot yield us that true contentment and satisfaction which the Word of God does to the obedient soul. Wealth cannot allay a grieved mind, nor appease a wounded conscience. The Word directs us where we may find rest for our souls (Jeremiah 6:16): Go, ask for the good old way, and you shall find rest for your souls. We lose ourselves in a maze of uncertainties till we come to the Word of God (Matthew 11:28): Come to me all you that are weary and heavy laden, and you shall find rest for your souls — here is ease for the great wound and maim of nature. The great maim of nature is sin; now where shall we have a plaster for this sore, but only in the Word of God. So for particular afflictions (Romans 15:4): That you through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Comfort is the strengthening of the mind, or the fortifying the mind when it is vexed and weakened with doubts, fears, and sorrows. I had fainted in my affliction, unless your word had quickened me (Psalm 119:50). The comforts of the world appear and vanish in a moment, cannot firmly stay and revive the heart, and every blast of temptation scatters them. Philosophy and natural reason cannot give us true ground of comfort — that was what they aimed at, how to fortify the soul and keep it quiet notwithstanding troubles in the flesh — but as they never understood the true ground of misery, which is sin, so neither the true ground of comfort, which is Christ. That which man offers cannot come with such power and authority upon the conscience, as that which God offers; and bare reason cannot have such an efficacy as divine testimony and the law of God's mouth. This moonlight rots before it ripens fruits; but the Word acquaints us with Christ, who is the foundation of comfort; with the Spirit, who is the efficient cause of comfort; with the promise of heaven, which is the true matter of comfort; with faith, the great instrument to receive it.
3. Let us look to the duration; there is a vanity and uncertainty in all these outward things, they soon take the wing and leave us in sorrow. If they continue with us till death, then they have done all their work. Wealth may bring you to the grave, but it can help you no farther; then wealth is gone, but horror does continue (Luke 16:24): Son, in your lifetime you enjoyed your good things — these good things are only commensurate with life. Sometimes they do not last so long; but when we must leave the world and launch out to those unknown regions (Job 27:8), how miserable shall we be? Worldly comforts will fail us when we have most need of them, as Jonah's gourd when the sun scorched him. So in the hour of death, what will bags of gold do then? But now on the other side, wisdom is better than gold and silver, because with her are durable riches and righteousness (Proverbs 8:18-19): therefore my fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. If a man would labor for anything, labor for that which is eternal (John 6:27). No treasure can be compared to eternal life, and this the Word assures us of.
2. Let us now come to examine why the children of God value it so?
1. Because they are enlightened by the Spirit, when others have their eyes dazzled with an external splendor, and their judgment is corrupted by their senses. It is not ignorance that undoes the world so much as want of spiritual prudence: spiritual and heavenly things can only be seen in the light of the Spirit, without which we can neither discern the truth or worth of them in order to choice (1 Corinthians 2:14): The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit. And therefore till we have this illuminating and sanctifying light of the Spirit, we shall not make a good choice for ourselves. The Apostle prays (Ephesians 1:17-18): That the Lord would give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation — the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. That saving knowledge of divine mysteries, which causes us to prefer and choose them above other things, comes from the spirit of wisdom and revelation; otherwise in seeing we see not. There is a perfect contradiction many times between speculative and practical knowledge; the common wisdom and knowledge of divine mysteries is a gift that comes from the Spirit, much more this spiritual discerning.
2. They are affected with their true necessities. Our real necessities are the necessities of the soul; bodily wants are more urging and pressing upon us, but these are more dangerous. Therefore gold and silver which supplies our bodily necessities is not so welcome to them as the law of God's mouth, which provides a remedy for their soul's defects. How to be justified, how sanctified, is more than what shall we eat and drink, and with what shall we be clothed? Usually soul-necessities are overlooked. We regard them not, or conceive we are well already (Revelation 3:17): You thought you were rich, and increased with goods, and had need of nothing. And then we have no relish for the offered remedy. The Word of God is the offered remedy to repair our collapsed state. The Gospel is not only true, but worthy to be embraced (1 Timothy 1:15); but who will embrace it but the sensible sinner? For it is offered as a remedy to the sick, and deliverance to the captive. It is not enough to see the excellency of things, but we must see our necessity of them. There are two hindrances that prejudice our salvation: either the necessity and excellency of the Gospel is not considered, or the truth and reality of it is not believed.
3. They measure all things with respect not to this world, but the world to come. 'Tis a high point of religion, to do all things, and regard all things for eternal ends; (2 Corinthians 4:18) Looking not to things seen, that are temporal; but to the things which are not seen, which are eternal. Making this our scope, and doing all to this end. Gold and silver are the most valuable things in the world: what cannot gold and silver buy in this world? But there is another world, and believers look to things unseen. Within a while, it will not be a pin to choose whether we have enjoyed much or little of this world's good things; but much will lie upon this, whether we have obeyed God, and glorified God, and accepted of Christ. The use of gold and silver ceases in the world to come: these things are not current in Canaan, nor accounted of in our heavenly country; therefore money should be a vile thing instead of grace: we can carry away none of these things with us when we die (Ecclesiastes 5:15). And surely that which has no power to free us from death, to comfort us in death, or go with us into another world after death, is no happiness or solid tranquility.
4. They have had trial and experience of the Word, what a comfort and support it has been to them; (1 Peter 2:2-3) As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby: if so be you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. There is an appetite that follows the new nature, and makes us desire spiritual food; (Philippians 1:9-10) And this I pray, that you may abound in all knowledge, and in all judgment; that we may approve the things that are excellent. When the Spirit gives us a taste of the goodness of those things offered in the Word of God, a taste of divine truth in our souls, when we find these comforts verified in us, then we come to approve the things that are excellent above all other things: (Psalm 119:11) Your word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against you. We never know the worth of the Word, till we come to make trial of it by practice and experience. The pleasure of the Word we find in practice, and the comfort and support of it in deep afflictions: 'tis not so with the world, try it, and loathe it; 'tis more in fancy than fruition, because the imperfections which formerly lay hid, are discovered: but the more intimately acquainted with the Word of God, the more we prize it; we see there is more to be gained there, than in all the world besides.
Use 1. Is to reprove and disprove those that prefer gold and silver before the Word of God; this is done by four sorts.
1. This is grossly done by those that revolt from the profession of the truth for the world's sake; (2 Timothy 4:10) Demas has forsaken us, and embraced the present world; that betray the cause of religion, as Judas sold his Master for thirty pieces of silver: or by those who will transgress for a small hire, the Devil needs not offer great things to them, when they will accept of less with thanks; for two pence or three pence gain, will profane the Sabbath, or wrong their neighbor. Is the law of God's mouth dearer to them than gold and silver? Surely no, they may flatter themselves with love to the Word, but when they can violate it for a trifle, for a pair of shoes, 'tis a sign that a little gain gotten by iniquity of traffic is sweeter to them than all the comforts of the promise.
2. 'Tis done by them that will not forsake anything for the Word's sake, but when they are put upon an apparent trial, here is gold and silver, and there the law of God's mouth, what will you do, obey God, or comply with your interests? You show your love by leaving the one rather than the other: as Moses counted the reproach of Christ better treasure than the riches of Egypt (Hebrews 11:26). Christ's worst is better than the world's best. The Thessalonians showed their love when they received the Word in much affliction; but when you decline duty, and are loath to hazard your interests, 'tis evident what you prefer. To some this may be a daily temptation, If I should be conscientious in my calling, I should be poor; keep touch and honesty in all things, it would turn to my loss. How many are discouraged from the ways of God, and discharging a good conscience by inconveniency?
3. This is also in part done by them who turn back upon the Word and ordinances of God for gain's sake, and fix their residence there, where they can neither enjoy God nor his people, nor the comfort of his ordinances: as merchants, who remove for traffic, and settle their abode there where the true religion is not professed, it may be suppressed with extremity of rigor: especially when they send youth there, and novices, and persons not grounded in the faith. This is like turning a child loose among a company of contagious persons, or setting an empty pitcher to crack before the fire. Commerce and traffic with unbelievers, or persons of a false religion is lawful, but to make our constant residence where there is no liberty for reading and hearing the Word of God, no liberty of worship and ordinances, cannot be excused from sin. You make religion stoop to gain. I will not urge so high and heroical an instance as Moses (Hebrews 11:25), Choosing rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; but of a Jew since the time of their degeneration. I have once and again read of one Rabbi Joseph, who being allured with the hope and call to a place of great gain, to teach Hebrew where there was no Synagogue, is said to have brought forth this Scripture for his answer, and excuse, The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver; let us Christians remember it, and consider the pertinency of it.
4. 'Tis more refinedly done by them who by earthly things are drawn off from the pursuit of heavenly, and are night and day encumbered with much serving, and never take time to refresh their souls with the pleasure of the Word: like Martha, encumbered about many things, while Mary sat at Jesus's feet, and heard his Word (Luke 10). Felix domus (says Bernard) ubi Martha queritur de Maria, 'Tis a happy house where Martha complains of Mary; but alas, in most places 'tis otherwise, religion is encroached upon, all remembrance of God and meditation of his Word is jostled out of doors by the cares of the world.
Use 2. Is to press us to make this profession seriously, heartily.
1. When we have wealth, this profession should be made to draw off the heart from it to better things. When our store is increased, our hearts are apt to be enchanted with the love of these things (Psalm 62:10): If riches increase, set not your hearts upon them. Our hearts are very apt to be set upon the world, but we must remember this is not the true treasure; there are other manner of riches that we should look after, to be rich toward God, lest I be a carnal fool (Luke 12:21). Complacency in a worldly portion is a sure sign of a worldly heart, more than greedy desire.
2. When we want wealth we should make this profession to induce us to contentment. The good disciples had the Spirit; to Judas as the bad one he gave the purse: if you have spiritual wisdom and knowledge, you have that which is most excellent (James 2:5): God has chosen the poor of the world to be rich in faith.
3. When we lose wealth for righteousness' sake, we have that which is better. The knowledge of a hated truth is better than to shine with the oppressor (Proverbs 3:31-32): Envy not the oppressor, nor choose any of his ways: For the perverse is an abomination to the Lord; but his secret is with the righteous. You have your losses exchanged for a greater good.
Use 3. Is of trial. Let us examine ourselves, and see what esteem and account we have of the Word of God. If any say that we are all ready to profess that we esteem the Word of God more than all riches, then let us bring it off from words to deeds; do you prefer obedience before gain? Do you seek after spiritual wisdom more than gain? Proverbs 4:7: Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding. Is this your main business, to be wise to salvation? How many afflict and torment themselves to get [reconstructed: silver and gold], but how few to understand and embrace God's law? How little does this esteem of the Word control contrary desires and affections?
