Better than all the wealth in the world
Treasure God’s Words
===
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my allotted portion.
Job 23:12 (NET)
===
A bold statement from Job.
Basically saying, “whatever God told me to do, I did.”
I can’t say that of myself … can you?
Likely not.
Thankfully we have Christ who took on our shortcomings in our place. And a Holy Spirit who works with us despite all of our problems.
Yet, remember that Job was still just a normal man.
We often struggle to apply the lessons we learn from Jesus because — in our hearts — we think of Him as “cheating by using His God powers.”
So anytime I see a Biblical example of excellence — such as Joseph or Job — I pay extra attention.
If he could do it, I can do it.
What did Job do here?
Treasured God’s Words more than his own “allotted portion.”
Meaning he placed a much higher value on God’s Words than on his own wealth.
And Job didn’t even have the Bible written down for him!
Here we are, something like four thousand years later with the Bible at our very fingertips. Dozens of translations to choose from so we can grow in greater understanding. The opportunity to commune with the God of the universe every day through His own Words.
How much value do you really give it?
Job said it’s better than riches.
Of course all of us would say that too … but, I wonder, in our hearts do we really mean it?
…
Something to think about.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2026 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible® copyright ©1996, 2019 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.