Psalm 1 - commentary

"Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law he meditates day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth his fruit in his season; his leaf shall not wither; and whatsoever he does shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3

This Psalm is a comparison between the Godly and ungodly. Its purpose is to encourage us to live Godly and discourage us from living ungodly. To do this David gives simple, straightforward word pictures anyone can understand. This is not a hidden message, it simply says: living Godly is good; living ungodly is bad.

First, we see the negative positions we could choose: ungodly counsel, the lifestyle of sinners and the judging position of scorners (those who scoff at Godly ways and methods). The Psalmist says we are blessed if we don't do those things or go those ways. It precludes that to walk in those ways will bring sorrow and suffering along with God's judgment, while to avoid them brings blessing in life from God.

Second, the contrast of delighting in following God's law and meditating or carefully considering what it has to say and then doing what it says, is presented as the way to walk. He is saying this is the better way to live.

Third, he tells us the result of living for God and following His ways: Picture -- a healthy, growing green tree planted by a continuous source of water and supply. He says we will be like that tree -- producing fruit (good works) at the right time and for the right purpose. We will not suffer shortage in despair or be in danger of losing the good stuff. Whatever we do will prosper, whether we see it or not. God is in control of the circumstances for the believer and follower of His ways and He says that He will turn even the evil to good for us. Praise His Name!

The last three verses of this psalm sum up the position of the ungodly and the Godly. Verse 4 talks about the surety that the ungodly are living without this assurance and in fact are so unstable on their shaky premises that they are like 'chaff' (the husks of wheat) that the wind blows away (becomes useless and lost).

Verse 5 says the ungodly will not have any hope of standing up before God in the judgment, they will be banished from His presence forever. In addition, they will be separated from the righteous and not be allowed to partake of the blessings laid up for the righteous. In conclusion verse 6 points to the permanence of the Godly and the demise of the ungodly. Obviously we should -- GO WITH GOD!

Warren