Psalm 1 serves as the gateway to the entire Book of Psalms. It presents a stark contrast between the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked, urging readers to reflect on their own path in life. Welcome to the Psalm Club!

Text of Psalm 1

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Commentary

Verses 1-2: The Blessed Life

The Psalm begins by defining what it means to be blessed. The blessed person avoids the influence of the wicked, sinners, and mockers. Instead, their joy comes from the law of the Lord, and they continuously meditate on it. This highlights the importance of delighting in and reflecting on God’s word.

Verse 3: The Tree by the Water

A person who follows the path of righteousness is likened to a tree planted by streams of water. This imagery conveys stability, nourishment, and fruitfulness. Just as a tree thrives when it has a constant supply of water, so does a person prosper when they are grounded in God’s law.

Verses 4-5: The Fate of the Wicked

In stark contrast, the wicked are compared to chaff, the light and useless part of the grain that is blown away by the wind. This illustrates their instability and lack of substance. Consequently, the wicked will not withstand judgment nor be included in the community of the righteous.

Verse 6: Divine Oversight

The Psalm concludes by affirming that the Lord watches over the path of the righteous, ensuring their ultimate success and protection. Conversely, the path of the wicked leads to ruin. This final verse encapsulates the core message: choosing righteousness brings life and stability, while choosing wickedness brings destruction.

Conclusion

Psalm 1 offers a profound reflection on the choices we make and their consequences. It encourages us to seek delight in God’s law and live a life of righteousness, promising that such a life leads to true prosperity and divine favor.