In an upside down world, where lunatics often reign, and personal safety remains uncertain; where calamity looms from every quarter, and I am incessantly bombarded and lied to by media and marketing spin doctors, God's word stands firm as the one stronghold upon which I can stake my life. Fathom this: The law of the Lord is perfect (blameless, complete, unblemished, intact). Can you think of anything in your world that can begin to compete with that claim? I can't. And the effect of that truth upon my life? It restores (turns back, recalls) my soul, which is prone toward seduction, wandering and duplicity. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy (faithful, lasting, firm, established. Like a door post). What, let me ask you, in our defective world, can you point to that is "trustworthy"? Precious little, I would guess. And the effect of that truth upon my life? It makes the simple (the easily seduced, silly, foolish (Hey! That's me!) exceedingly wise. I don't know about you, but in this world of charlatans, nutzoid fruitcakes and wolves, I need His exceeding wisdom to make it through life's variegated minefields. (Matt. 10:16; Jms. 1:5-8) The precepts of the Lord are right (straight). No devious, doublespeak here, because His Word never wavers. It can be counted on. (Josh. 21:45) And the effects of that truth upon my life? It rejoices the heart. That is, it is an influence that makes me glad. Even gleesome! Again, in a world of terrorists, downsizing, gyrating currencies, car bomb explosions, and the specter of global warming, isn't it nice to know that there is a source that can cheer my shopworn soul? The Word of God is more precious than gold, sweeter than honey. And the effects of that truth upon my life? I am warned and greatly rewarded. (See Prov. 3:16-18; 6:22, 23; Psa. 119) So, my fellow pilgrim, are you regularly immersing your easily bartered, battered soul into the ocean of His love? A love that is revealed to us through unrushed, attentive, and prayerful processing of His Truth? If so, you are indeed THE RICHEST PERSON IN BABYLON! If not, you are A SPIRITUAL PAUPER IN "WACKO WORLD." 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 19:8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 19:9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. 19:10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 19:11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11