Old Testament
Psalms 1
Overview
Psalm 1 is a wisdom poem that sets two ways before every reader: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. The blessed person refuses the counsel of the wicked and instead delights in the LORD's law, meditating on it day and night, becoming like a tree planted by streams of water. The wicked, by contrast, are like chaff the wind drives away, having no standing in the judgment. The psalm functions as a doorway into the whole Psalter, inviting the worshiper to choose the path of life.
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.