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Psalm 1 has been aptly called, “The Road Map to Happiness.”  It is full of profound truth, yet its message is simple.  This psalm describes the person God blesses (vv. 1-3), and the person God condemns (vv. 4-6).  Featured in this psalm are two contrasting portraits and their ultimate doom  –  the way of the godly that leads to eternal life and the way of the ungodly that leads to everlasting damnation.  “The way of the godly is holy, happy, fruitful, prosperous, heavenward; the ungodly is entirely diverse.  His course is worthless, and his end is woe” -  Henry Law.

Which road are we taking?  As we read on, let us each consider our own life, our attitudes, our choices, and our eternal destiny.

1. Blessed 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. 
2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3. And 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. 
4. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. 

The way of the godly

Blessed 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 (v. 1).

Strangely enough, the psalmist begins with the negative.  “The Hebrew words are very emphatic,  Blessedness belongs to that man, or, Oh the blessedness of that man.  Thrice blessed is that man; who is here described negatively, and in the next verse positively” – Matthew Poole.

He points out the pathway that the Christian should avoid.  The word, “walk” in the Bible is often used to denote a way of life or conduct.  The godly man  is  marked  out  by  the things he does not do, the places he does not go to, and the company he does not keep.  He shuns evil; he resists even the slightest temptation to compromise his convictions.  He does not listen to, nor linger with the ungodly man.  His conduct is not shaped by worldly standards; he “does not embrace their principles, adopt their maxims, or encourage their practices” – Family Bible Notes.

Note the subtle declension from conformity to sinful involvement - from “walketh” to “standeth” to “sitteth.”  Usually, a Christian, does not jump right into the middle of sin.  Sin creeps up on us slowly and stealthily.  He starts out by going along with the wicked, savouring their ungodly company.  Soon, he finds himself standing in their midst – with those who wilfully violate God’s law.  Before long, he is sitting down comfortably “in the seat of the scornful” - enjoying sin and scoffing at the things of God.  “The seat of the scorner may be very lofty, but it is very near to the gate of hell; let us flee from it, for it shall soon be empty, and destruction shall swallow up the man who sits therein” – The Treasury of David. 

The godly – a fruitful tree

But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.   And 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 (vv. 2-3).

The word “but” in verse 2 indicates a contrast.  While the first verse is negative, the second is positive.  Instead of falling into compromise and spiritual decline, the godly man occupies himself with God’s Word.  He delights in this spiritual exercise of nourishing his soul.  It is not a burden or drudgery because he knows and loves the divine Author.  To him, it is not just a book of rules, but of precious promises and principles given by a loving Father to guide him in his earthly sojourn.  God’s Word keeps him in the path of safety.  It also fortifies him against the many temptations along life’s way.

“The godly man has his delights.  His cup is crowned with joy.  His table is spread with richest pleasures.  The Scriptures are his soul-refreshing feast.  They gladden him with views of God as his own God; Christ as his own Saviour; the Spirit as his Guide and sanctifying Comforter; heaven as his home forever; and all things ordered for his well-being.  The morning light invites him to this sacred page.  In the day his thoughts cling closely to it” - Henry Law.

In verse 3, the righteous person is compared to a fruitful and flourishing tree planted where there is a rich supply of water.  Four things that are true of such a tree, which are also true of the godly.  Firstly, where he is planted, there is resilience and stability.  Secondly, he is fruitful - he develops Christ-like qualities such as the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Gal. 5: 22-23).  Thirdly, he does not wither – he stands steadfast in the face of adversities.  Fourthly, he is prosperous – because of his perseverance, love and devotion to God.  Truly, how blessed is the man whose delight is in the Word of God! 
(…to be continued)              

- Pastor