I used to teach second grade, which was the year we introduced story or word problems into the math curriculum. Let’s just say those lessons were not a favorite for my students or their teacher! They had to learn to read a few sentences and pick out the math equation to solve. I taught my second graders to look for the word sum in those questions. When they saw the word sum, they would know they should add all the numbers rather than subtract. 

That’s an important thing to remember when studying the Bible as well. “The sum” of God’s word equals “truth.” If we subtract anything from God’s word, we get the wrong answer. Like a simple math equation, every word of Scripture “adds up” to an answer that endures forever. One plus one will always equal two. The words of the Bible will always add up to God’s truth. 

Psalm 119 is a unique passage of Scripture. In the original Hebrew language, the various stanzas represented and repeated a particular letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It’s believed that this psalm was used with young children to teach them their alphabet, as well as the importance of knowing and using God’s word to govern their lives. The first verse of the psalm provides the theme: “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!” 

Our single greatest need in life is the blessing of God. God has taught us how to live a life he is able to bless. His word, from the first word of Genesis to the final word of Revelation, adds up to truth and our direction for living a blessed life. We can learn a lot by applying basic math principles to our faith in Scripture. 

2 + 2 = 4

It always has, and it always will.

God’s rules + our obedience = God’s blessings.

That is eternal truth as well. 

The Lord gives wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. The sum total of God’s word is truth that will endure forever.