“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation” (Psalm 119:99).

An ordinary layman who diligently studies and uses the Scriptures may well have more understanding of genuine truth than the rich and famous, the high and mighty, and the wise and learned, for he has access to the very heart and mind of his Maker, as revealed in the Bible.

He may have enemies who devise evil against him, but he can say with the psalmist: “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me” (Psalm 119:98). Rulers and judges may form laws and issue decrees seeking to silence his witness, but as Paul said, “The Word of God is not bound” (II Timothy 2:9), and God’s truth will win out sooner or later.

The writings of ancient sages and philosophers may be very impressive in their expositions of human wisdom, but the discerning Bible-believing Christian can claim these words of the psalmist: “I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts” (Psalm 119:100).

Finally, as with the psalmist in our text, any Christian who studies and meditates on God’s “testimonies” can say: “I have more understanding than all my teachers.” It is, indeed, a remarkable phenomenon that those who are highly educated in the knowledge and wisdom of this world so often seem unable to grasp the simplicity and beauty of the complete gospel of Christ, from the majesty of His creation through His saving work on the cross and climaxed in His coming kingdom. Children can easily understand these glorious truths, but university professors and eminent scholars find them impossible to comprehend. “In the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God. . . . For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:21,18). HMM