Thousands, or perhaps millions, of books have been written by various authors over many years. The primary reason why we read books is to gain knowledge and obtain information. Reading engages the mind, reduces stress, and even alleviates depression. All these are positive reasons to read books.
However, there is one book that excels all other books and that book is the Holy Bible. The Bible is a book of truth, wisdom, knowledge, spiritual growth and guidance. It is also called the the Scriptures or God’s Word because it is inspired by God and it tells us that “All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16,17 NIV).
In his commentary on the Bible, William MacDonald writes as follows: “This is one of the most important verses in the Bible on the subject of inspiration. It teaches that the Scriptures are God-breathed. In a miraculous way, He communicated His word to men and led them to write it down for permanent preservation. What they wrote was the very word of God, inspired and infallible.”
MacDonald continues: “The writers of the Bible did not give their own private interpretation of things, but wrote the message which was given to them by God. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20, 21).” (Believer’s Bible Commentary pg. 2123 Thomas Nelson Publishers).
Although the Bible is one Book, yet it is made of 66 books; and it was written over a period of 1,600 years by about 40 earthly authors. Two major divisions are in the Bible; namely the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books). The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew, and the New Testament originally written in Greek.
Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in the Bible having 176 verses and divided into 22 sections corresponding to the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Psalm 134 is the shortest Psalm and chapter with only 3 verses. The shortest verse in the entire Bible with just two words is “Jesus wept” (John 11:35).
God supernaturally directed its writings
No other book can justly claim its equal
Since it is inspired it is also authoritative
On its firm foundation I will surely stand
Its principles and truth are in my heart
Mountains will shake, earth may quiver
The Bible remains “thus saith the Lord”
As God’s infallible revelation to man —
A lamp to his feet, and light to his path.
— Geoff Daniels 04/2023
Unlike all other books and manuscripts, the Bible is unique in having a profound life-changing effect on people worldwide. Over the years, individuals have testified that the Bible is completely different to other religious texts. By reading and studying the Scriptures they realized their lives have been positively changed for the better giving them hope and purpose for living.
The following Psalm 19 is about the works and Word of God. This is a Psalm of King David:
7. “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey from the comb” (Psalm 19:7-10 NIV).
In praise of the Bible, David describes God’s Word as the law of the LORD, the statutes of the LORD, the commands of the LORD, the fear of the LORD, and the ordinances of the LORD.
The Bible boldly stands as its truth is reliable, its foundation is firm, and it is God’s gift without measure to all mankind. Take the time to read, study, and apply God’s Word to your life.