Psalms 119:96
I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
Psalms 119:96
“I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.” The psalmist contrasts human perfection’s finitude with the expansive goodness of God’s commandment. Human achievements eventually reach limits—the realm of perfection is unattainable by mortal effort. In contrast, God’s law is “exceeding broad,” meaning it covers vast, generous, life-giving territory. The image invites readers to shift from chasing perfect performance to embracing the breadth of God’s instruction, which yields wisdom, guidance, and freedom. In the ancient world, this would resonate with a law-code that, while precise, also addresses many life situations, offering broad practical application. The verse discourages self-reliant pride by showing that human neatness cannot contain divine truth, which expands into every area of life.
Theologically, this verse celebrates the sufficiency and abundance of God’s Word. It challenges the notion that moral life can be mastered by human ingenuity alone and points to the all-encompassing nature of divine revelation. The “breadth” of God’s commandments suggests a life oriented toward holiness that permeates attitudes, decisions, and relationships. It also foreshadows the New Covenant idea that the Spirit’s work enables a person to live out truth more fully than legalistic perfection could. The verse invites readers to trust not in their own reach but in the expansive mercy, wisdom, and instruction Yahweh provides.
Practical steps:
- Embrace the breadth: look for ways Scripture addresses areas you hadn’t considered, such as technology, business ethics, or social media.
- Avoid perfectionism: celebrate progress in obedience rather than flawless execution.
- Use broad-guidance approach: when facing a new dilemma, seek principles from Scripture that apply across contexts.
- Develop habitual reflection: weekly review of how you applied broader commandments in daily life.
- Teachability: invite feedback from trusted believers to broaden your understanding of God’s expansive truth.
Cross-References: Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:105; 2 Peter 1:3; James 1:25; Matthew 5:17-19