Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. However, it has much more to contribute to the Bible student than just being the answer to a trivia question. Consider some things this Psalm says about the word of God.

1. God's Word is Eternal. "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven" (v. 89). The ideas, teachings and philosophies of men seem to change almost on a daily basis. God's word is not subject to such changes. It has been "settled" or "established." It is not subject to the passing of time, the rejection of men, or even the destruction of the entire world (Matt. 24:35).

2. God's Word is Truth. "You are near, O LORD, and all Your commandments are truth" (v. 151). This should be no surprise to us. God's word is entirely true because it is impossible for the Author to lie (Heb. 6:18).

3. God's Word is Right. "Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way" (v. 128). Read this verse again. Do you believe what it says? Do you believe that everything that God's word says is always right? The answer to this question will say a lot about our faith.

4. God's Word Provides Enlightenment and Guidance. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (v. 105). God's word gives us guidance in times of decision, help in times of trouble, stability in times of doubt, comfort in times of sorrow, and perspective in times of joy and celebration.

5. God's Word Provides Salvation. "Lord, I hope for Your salvation, and I do Your commandments" (v. 166). If the Bible only helped us in this life, it would still be the best book ever written. However, not only is the Bible the best book to help us through this life, it is the only book that can prepare us for the life to come.

Conclusion: God's word is great. It is eternal, it is the truth, it provides the standard for what is right and wrong, it is a practical source of guidance and wisdom, and it is our only hope of salvation. However, it is of no use to us if we fail to read it and obey it. Let us be like the Psalmist of Israel who wrote, "I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways," and "I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, to the very end" (Ps. 119:15, 112).