Psalm 19:7b
7b The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
David here refers to the Scriptures as “the testimony of the LORD”. In many other places, Scripture also refers to itself as the testimony of the LORD. For instance, Psalm 119 refers to the Scriptures as the “testimony” or “testimonies” of the LORD about 23 times. The Hebrew word for “testimony” (‘?dût) as used here means “that which is borne witness to”. Scripture is the LORD’s testimony because it is His own affirmation of all things that are recorded in it. The Bible is a Divine Witness. All that is revealed in Scripture is God’s own true report.
David says that “the testimony of the LORD is sure”. The Hebrew word for “sure” suggests ideas such as “faithful”, “established” and “verified”. The LORD’s testimony is absolutely true. God has attested to the faithfulness of all that the Scriptures say. Though many unbelieving men challenge the accuracy of the biblical records, God bears witness to their authenticity. The LORD has validated the absolute truthfulness of all that Scripture says. Whatever it says is true, whether it be the account of God’s creation of all things in six days, the universal flood of Noah’s time, the virgin birth, miracles, death and resurrection of Christ, or the prophecies concerning the last days. We can fully trust the veracity of all its doctrines, counsels, promises, history, prophecies, and all else that it says.
David also declares that God’s Word makes the simple wise. The Hebrew word translated “simple” refers to someone who is naive or undiscerning. Because of his ignorance and gullibility, he makes foolish choices and is easily deceived. Yet, if he pays heed to Scripture, it will make him wise. The word “wise” describes one who lives according to divine truths. He is guided in life by the knowledge that God’s Word provides. He submits to Scripture and applies its counsels to his circumstances. The Word of God thus transforms a simple-minded person with no discernment, and makes him skilled in all matters of life. In 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Paul reminds Timothy, who had been brought up in the knowledge of God’s Word, “that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” Studying and applying God’s Word in our lives will invariably make us wise.