Why is reading the Bible is so valuable? - Part 3

Reason number 2 for the statement that we are exploring "Why reading the Bible is so valuable" from our series "Six Habits of Spiritually Happy Men" by Patrick Morley of Man In the Mirror is that "It is true." Jesus said if you continue in His word, then you will know the truth. (See John 8:32 -KJV):

Jhn 8:31	Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, [then] are ye my disciples indeed;
Jhn 8:32	And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 17:17b declares: "Thy Word is truth."

While thinking on this topic I was reminded of a book I have been reading recently, Truth Matters, which was written by John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Southern California. The book itself is a compilation of various chapters from several of MacArthur's books. In the first chapter, Truth in a world of theory, MacArthur quoted American theologian Albert Barnes in reference to his explanation of the word translated "perfect" in Psalm 19:7 (KJV). The quote comes from page 171 of Barnes' work entitled Notes on the Old Testament: Psalms, vol. 1, the text of which is reproduced below:

The meaning [of "perfect"] is that it [Scripture] lacks nothing in order to its completeness; nothing in order that it might be what it should be. It is complete as a revelation of Divine truth; it is complete as a rule of conduct. As explained above, this refers not only to the law of God, as the word is commonly employed now, but to the whole of Divine truth as revealed. It is absolutely true; it is adapted with consummate wisdom to the wants of man; it is an unerring guide of conduct. There is nothing there which would lead men into error or sin; there is nothing essential for man to know which may not be found there.

A more complete and succinct definition of that word I have not read. Barnes' complete commentary can be read over at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at their "Works by Albert Barnes" section.