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The text might be read, "The doctrine of the Lord is perfect restoring the soul."

I. THE SOUL OF MAN IN ITS NATURAL STATE REQUIRES TO BE CONVERTED OR RESTORED. See how abundant is the Scripture testimony to this truth. Even the best men have confessed their need: David says of himself, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity," etc. There has been but one bright exception amongst men, and that is "the Man Christ Jesus. He alone "knew no sin.' It is the exception which proves the rule.

II. BUT MANY TAKE EXCEPTION TO THIS BY DENYING THE FACT OF THE PERVERSION OF THE HUMAN SOUL. "As for God, His way is perfect," as may be clearly seen from those of His works which sin has not depraved. But as for man, Scripture and experience alike attest that he has "corrupted his way."

III. BY DENYING THAT MAN'S RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE. But wherefore? Is anything too hard for the Lord? Cannot He who at first made man upright remodel him after His own image?

IV. BY DENYING THE ADEQUACY OF THE MEANS OF RECOVERY. It is said the Word of God is not an adequate instrument. But experience has proved the contrary. For the word, or doctrine, of the Lord is perfect, complete. It will never fail of the desired issue in those who come to the study of it in a right spirit.

(Thomas Dale, M. A.)

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KJV: The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

WEB: Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.