Inspired by a recent sermon from Pastor Eric Geiger at Mariners Church. Any direct quotes are brief; the reflections and wording below are my own.
When the world offers “proverbs,” Scripture offers wisdom
We all hear catchy sayings: “Let love find you,” “love at first sight,” “variety is the spice of life.” Pastor Eric reminded us that the Bible calls us deeper. Beauty is fleeting (Prov. 31:30), so a life-giving relationship can’t rest on appearances or novelty. God forms covenant people with covenant character—faithfulness, self-control, sacrificial love. Those are the qualities that sustain a marriage at 2 a.m. and through career ups and downs.
Psalm 119: a love song to God’s Word
Psalm 119 is the Bible’s longest chapter and a crafted acrostic (22 stanzas, one for each Hebrew letter; eight verses per stanza). Even literature lovers admire its beauty. But its heart isn’t technique—it’s affection. The psalmist delights in God’s instruction because that’s where real life is found.
Two lines set the tone:
“How happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk according to the Lord’s instruction.” (Ps. 119:1)
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word.” (Ps. 119:9)
Teacher and Treasure: the “Beth” stanza (Ps. 119:9–16)
In the second stanza (associated with the Hebrew letter Beth—“house”), the psalmist treats God’s Word as both teacher and treasure. It’s something we hide in our hearts and also submit to with our lives. Here are the rich words Scripture uses for itself:
This stanza also gives us a rhythm for approaching the Bible:
Keep it. Seek the Lord with all your heart. Treasure it inwardly. Learn (“Teach me…”). Proclaim it outwardly. Rejoice in it more than riches. Meditate—not by emptying your mind, but by filling it with God’s truth. Delight in it, and remember it—pin it to the “top” of your life.
Let Scripture confront and comfort
If Scripture is truly our teacher, it will sometimes challenge us. That isn’t harsh; it’s loving. Jesus is not a consultant who rubber-stamps our plans—He is King and Shepherd. His correction leads to life; His encouragement strengthens us for the path.
A simple way to start: use a study Bible
Old Testament passages were written in Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek, so every English Bible is a translation. Some aim for a more word-for-word feel; others are more thought-for-thought and conversational. The best Bible is the one you’ll actually read. (Pastor Eric often teaches from the Christian Standard Bible, CSB.) A good study Bible puts notes beneath the biblical text—helpful insights, cross-references, and context. The notes can help, but the text is the authority.
Try this 5-minute devotion (Psalm 119:33–40)
Prayer
Father, make our lives a house for Your Word. Teach us, turn our hearts, and give us life in Your ways. Help us treasure Scripture and be led by it this week—in decisions, desires, and relationships. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Attribution: This post is my personal reflection on a message by Pastor Eric Geiger at Mariners Church. Any errors or paraphrases are mine. Scripture quotations are from the Bible; if you prefer, you can note “CSB” or your translation of choice at the bottom of your post.
Want more in this series? Next up: practical ways to “pin” God’s Word to the top of your day.
Scripture quotations © their respective translations. Reflections © LoveInHisImage.com by Lisa Caprelli
Excerpt: Pastor Eric’s message reminded me that Scripture is both teacher and treasure. Here’s how Psalm 119 invites us to seek, keep, and delight in God’s Word.