How Much is Your Bible Worth?

Last Saturday several items belonging to Elvis Presley were sold at an auction, including the Bible, found on his night stand when he died.

The front cover is embossed in gold with his name– “Elvis Aaron Presley.” Also there are a “large amount of book marked pages and underlined passages that seemingly spoke to Elvis,” according to GWS Auctions.

Copyright forbids ThePreachersWord showing a picture of Elvis’ Bible, but you can click this link to see it as well as a few of the underlined pages.

The starting bid began at 30,000 and progressed in increments of $2,500 to $5,000 until it eventually sold for $120,000.

I thought, “Wow! I have a whole shelf of Bibles, as well as a box full of Bibles that I used when I began preaching, as well as some belonging to my Mom, Dad, and brother. I wonder….if…Nah, forget it….”

But it did raise the question, “How much is your Bible worth?” No, not in terms of what it would sell for at an auction. But in terms of its value to your life. Your soul. Your purpose. Your guiding values.

Interestingly, underlined in Elvis’ Bible was a passage in Job. 31:24-25 where Job denied the charge of Eliphaz that he had made gold his hope and confidence. Nor had he trusted in his wealth instead of Jehovah.

This affirmation reminds us of a later statement by David in Psalm 19 when he extols the virtue and value of God’s Word by writing “The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; . . . More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:8, 10).

Also in Psalm 119:72, the Psalmist wrote, “The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.”

So, when we ask the question, “How much is your Bible worth?” we are really asking “How much is God’s Word worth to you?”

These passages emphasize its infinite worth. Its intrinsic value far exceeds any material possession, precious metal, expensive gemstone, or monetary amount.

Consider the worth of the Bible, the Word of God, as you reflect on these affirmations from Scripture itself.

God’s Word possess infinite worth because it...

…Provides the answers to the origin of the universe and mankind (Gen. 1-2).

…Offers insight into our ultimate purpose in life (Eccl. 12:13; Ax.13:36; Eph. 1:11).

…Reveals Jesus as God’s Son, the only access to the Father and the only means to eternal salvation (Matt. 16:16-17; Jn. 14:6; Ax. 4:12).

…Births and creates a new, better and more fulfilling life (1 Pet. 1:23-25; John 6:63; 10:10; 20:31).

..Awakens, sustains, and strengthens our faith (Rom. 10:17; 1 Thess. 2:13-14; 1Cor. 16:13).

…Instructs us on how to live in this world and please God (Rom. 12).

…Shows us what is right; shows us what is wrong; helps us get right; helps us stay right; and equips us for every righteous work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

…Declares the “Golden Rule” of relationships on how to treat other people (Matt. 7:12).

…Succinctly defines the entirety of God’s law in two great commandments (Matt. 22:37-40).

…Gives us hope in a world that often appears hopeless (Rom. 15:4).

…Leads to mental, emotional and spiritual freedom (Jn. 8:31-32; Gal. 5:13).

…Equips us with the tools to overcome temptation and fight the Devil (Matt. 4:4,7,10; Eph. 6:10-18).

…Brings joy, peace, comfort, and solace to the soul (Psalm 1:2-3; 19:7-11; 119).

…Announces our final destiny (Eccl. 12:14; John 14:1-3; Rev. 21-22).

Teddy Roosevelt was right when he opined that “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” In fact it’s worth more than silver, gold, or any material possession.

Neither your Bible nor mine will ever sell for as much as Elvis’ did. But it is worth far more because its divine counsel will lead to the saving of your soul which is worth far more than the entire world (Matt. 16:24-26).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman