Now I have really dealt with the problem of spiritual discrimination, unpleasant as it may have been. But before we end this study we can note a few entirely different but very pleasant things suggested by the word “pearls.”
First, it suggests to us what we ought wisely to regard as our true riches. Just a few verses previous to this in Christ’s Sermon, Jesus had spoken of those who were overly preoccupied with earth’s riches. Now He reminds us that the Christian’s riches are actually found in God’s Word. The truths of the Word are our treasure. Therefore, we rightly sing:
Thy Word is like a deep, deep mine;
And jewels rich and rare
Are hidden in its mighty depths
For every searcher there.
Second, the verse suggests that we should be content with this treasure, which the world despises, even though on the physical level we should be asked to endure the most serious calamities of life. The great English commentator, Arthur W. Pink, writes on this point: “We may lose our health and wealth, our friends and fame, yet this treasure remains. Here is a lamp for the darkest night (Psalm 119:105). Here is to be found comfort in the sorest affliction (Psalm 119:50). Here are to be obtained the songs of our pilgrimage (Psalm 119:54).”1 No Christian is ever poor or destitute who has these riches.
Finally, the verse intimates how we are to use this treasure. For pearls have high value, and a wise man should be at great pains to secure them. God’s Word is truly a pearl of great price. Do we so value it? Do we dig for the pearls? Do we cultivate the mine? When we have uncovered these truths, do we preserve them, committing them to memory and thus locking them forever in our hearts? David did this, for he wrote, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). Mary did it. So did Martha. So have countless others. May this be your practice also.
1Arthur W. Pink, An Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 1969), 294.
