Psalm 1

Psalm 1 is only of my favorite chapters of the Bible, and I enjoy reading over it again every once and a while. This chapter is filled with comparing and contrasting verses.

“How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! Instead his delight is in the LORD”s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night.” Verses 1-2 (CSB)

The words “walk’, ‘sit’, and ‘stand’, mean more than their literal definition. It symbolizes living with those people, trusting their advice. Basically, the dangers of close friendships with the wicked.

Happy or blessed in some translations, is the one who knows the Word of the Lord. Who thinks about it daily. This is something I think most people struggle with, and something we need to pursue as Christians. (It is important what you take in as well, but don’t use Christian content as a substitute for the Bible.)

Instead is a key word. It pulls us to the next thing.

“He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams that bears its fruit in its season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” verse 3.

I can’t read this verse without the song, “Just like a tree that’s planted by the water, I shall not be moved.” The tree is sturdy, safe, has access to water to help it grow and bears its fruit at the proper time. God often uses trees as a metaphor. I also think of Joseph, in the last sentence. Whatever he touched went well.

“The wicked are not like this; instead, they are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand up in the judgement, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.” verses 4-5.

This is the second contrast between the righteous and the wicked. Chaff is the left over, useless bits of corn. Notice the metaphor right and then almost reexplaining it. The chaff is blown away, and the wicked will not stand in the judgement.

Also the second time the word instead is used. This time showing what happens to the wicked, verses the righteous.

“For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.” verse 6.

I once heard a pastor say that the words ‘for’ and ‘but’ are doorways. ‘For’–an explanation of why the righteous are protected verses the wicked. I think this verse sums up the entire chapter.

I also want to point out that, we are considered wicked, before coming to Christ. Every human is born wicked and a sinner, but because of God’s grace in sending Jesus to live a perfect life and take the punishment for us, death, and then rising again that we can be saved.

Following the way of the wicked and living in sin has severe consequences, not only in this life, but eternally and spiritually. God protects His people, and blesses them. (Though we will go through struggles. Note how verses four and five talk about the spiritual consequences of sin.)

Dear Abba,

please bless us and guide as in Your Word. Bring the lost to You, Father and help us make the choices that You want us to. Its hard when those we love and care about don’t live the same as we do, or when the popular crowd follows a path that opposes You. Let us be holy as You are holy and remember that Your way is better than all others. We us be a light on a hilltop. In Jesus’ name I pray amen.