How Firm a Foundation

he has laid for your faith in his excellent word

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:96

I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad. (ESV)

              The correct translation of this verse is difficult to get at. In this case, most translations do a little interpretation here. One reads, “I have seen an end of all perfection,” (KJV). Another, “I have observed that all things have their limit,” (ISV). The Amplified Bible (not a translation but a paraphrase and, therefore, an interpretation) reads, “I have seen that all [human] perfection has its limits [no matter how grand and perfect and noble].

              Most scholars agree that these are all getting to the heart of what the Psalmist meant. Through observation and experience, he had come to realize that the very best, the most beautiful, and the brightest of the created order are limited. Although he doesn’t specify how they are limited, it is not hard for us to extrapolate what he had in mind. Everything in the world is subject to decay. It all eventually rusts or rots. All living things decline and then die.

              What always remains is God’s word. Generations come and go. What one builds the next buries. But God's word remains. The churches built by previous generations might pass away. The buildings are gone. The people have passed into eternity. Everything that they were is no more except the word they preached and taught. It remains.

              The Psalmist is not being morose in making this observation. His mood is jubilant, not discouraged. He is not like the preacher of Ecclesiastes saying, “All is vanity.” He is rejoicing in that he has discovered a true foundation for life and he is declaring his intention to put his hope there. He is exhorting us to do likewise. He is not saying, “don’t appreciate and enjoy the beauty and blessings of this world.” He is saying, “Don’t make them your source of hope.” Put your hope in the word of God, in His promises, and his truth.