Psalm 1

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, 

Nor stand in the path of sinners, 

Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!

But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night.  

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, 

Which yields its fruit in its season 

And its leaf does not wither; 

And in whatever he does, he prospers.

 

The wicked are not so, 

But they are like chaff which the wind drives away. 

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, 

Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, 

But the way of the wicked will perish.”

Psalm 1 from NASB

This first psalm is an introduction to the psalter.  These six verses picture a blessed life.

Blessed…..that word is sometimes misused in my opinion.  A reading of Jesus’ teaching from the mountainside in Matthew 5 shows us being blessed isn’t about being warm-fuzzy happy.  

Happiness of the godly is contrasted in this psalm, to the un-happiness of the ungodly. There is a progression, a downward spiral that goes from bad to worse.  The teaching is from the negative. 

I am blessed when I do NOT walk…

I am blessed when I do NOT stand…

I am blessed when I do NOT sit…

The counsel of wicked, the path of sinners, the seat of scoffers, all hinder what is blessed.

A negative principle can often be more absolute.  Someone might say I have walked with godly people and be correct.

But to say I have NOT walked with ungodly people?  I’m afraid my life would not bear up to that scrutiny.  

I have done both, and I have learned by choosing knowledge of evil, it does not bring blessing, happiness, joy, or peace.  I wish it could be said of me that I have NOT walked, stood, or sat with those who were wicked, sinners, and scoffers.  I do think I can say that perhaps I didn’t tarry long in those situations. I have prayed to be teachable and quick to learn!

“…and he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water…” (vs. 3)

There is an intentionality pictured here.  The location of this tree is purposeful.  The tree is planted where nourishment is available, sustained by internal nourishment, drawn up by invisible roots, resulting in strength and fruit. 

There is tension in our culture between the counsel of the ungodly, and God’ truth.  Do you sense it?  

The enemy’s purpose has always been to cause doubt and encourage rebellion, causing a chasm between God and His creation.  

God’s purpose has always been to love and sustain His creation, up close and personal.

The enemys tactics have changed but the method has not.  The appeal of a fruit in the garden doesn’t entice us.   But knowledge of evil happens all around us.  

Ask God to open your eyes to it. 

Look for it.  

Expect it. 

Identify it. 

Reject it.  

Don’t walk along with it.  

Don’t stop to stand with it. 

Certain don’t sit down to visit with it. 

I challenge you to get your Bible, and prayerfully read the 6 verses of Psalm 1. Beware of human persuasions, the order of modern human life, and the compromises of culture.  Let God’s Word speak.  

And you listen.