Psalm 1 contrasts the ways of the righteous (i.e., those who follow God’s Laws) and the wicked (i.e., those who do not follow God’s Laws), highlighting the blessings of following God’s wisdom and the consequences of rejecting it. It paints a picture of a person who delights in God’s Law, meditating (i.e. thinking about it) on it day and night, and who is blessed like a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in its season. The wicked, on the other hand, are compared to chaff that the wind drives away, ultimately facing judgment. The Psalm serves as an introduction to the Book of Psalms, setting a foundation that contrasts the paths of righteousness and wickedness.
1. The Power of Influence: Surround yourself with wise counsel. Avoid paths and companionship that might lead you away from God’s righteousness (NOTE: Righteousness refers to acts toward other human beings that He considers good and right).
2. Delight in God’s Law: Find joy and purpose in God’s teachings, making them a central part of your daily life. (NOTE: This is how we can prepare for THAT DAY - when we will stand before Him and give an account of our life as seen through the eyes of His Word [not our thoughts]!).
3. Meditation on Scripture: Regular meditation on God’s Word strengthens one’s character, direction, and understanding. (NOTE: God’s Word not only gives us these things but it also prepares us for our first meeting with Him. In other words, if we know and do His Word, we will be prepared on that day. If we don’t know His Word, we won’t be prepared.).
4. Rootedness and Stability: Like a tree planted by water, a person grounded in God’s wisdom will find sustenance and stability, regardless of external circumstances.
5. Fruitfulness: A life aligned with God will naturally produce “fruit”—positive outcomes and blessings, both inward and outward. Think Galatians 5:22-23.
6. Avoiding Destruction: The path of wickedness (i.e., doing what is wrong in God’s eyes) is ultimately unstable and fleeting, leading to ruin - especially after death.
7. God’s Sustaining Power: God’s guidance and strength nourish those who rely on Him, sustaining them through life’s seasons.
8. The Consequences of Choices: The righteous and the wicked face drastically different ends. Choices have lasting consequences.
9. God’s Knowledge of the Righteous: God intimately knows and watches over those who follow His ways, offering them protection and care.
10. The Value of Integrity: Walking in righteousness brings spiritual rewards and aligns one with God’s enduring path, while wickedness leads to spiritual disintegration.
11. Avoiding Sin’s Progression: Sin often progresses from small compromises to full rebellion. The psalm warns against walking in the counsel of the wicked, standing in the path of sinners, and ultimately sitting with mockers, showing a gradual decline.
12. Importance of Daily Commitment: True spiritual growth comes from consistent, daily commitment to God’s word, not just occasional engagement.
13. Guarding One’s Thoughts: What we think about shapes our character and actions. Meditating on God’s Word helps to align our thoughts with His will.
14. Godly Wisdom vs. Worldly Wisdom: The psalm contrasts worldly thinking with godly wisdom, highlighting that true wisdom and success come from God, not from human ideas or trends.
15. Spiritual Nourishment: Like a tree that draws nutrients from water, a person who immerses themselves in God’s word finds spiritual nourishment, strength, and vitality.
16. Seasons of Life: The righteous person, like a fruitful tree, understands that life has seasons. There are times to sow, wait, and harvest, but God’s blessings will come in due time.
17. Inner Character Reflects in Outer Life: Just as a healthy tree bears good fruit, a life rooted in righteousness will naturally show integrity, love, and kindness.
18. Standing Strong in Trials: Like a tree that withstands storms, those who delight in God’s law remain steady and firm in the face of challenges.
19. Clear Path of Righteousness: God’s word provides a clear path to walk in righteousness, helping us to avoid the pitfalls and confusion of life.
20. The Choice of Influence: Our companions and influences shape our path; the psalm encourages us to seek relationships and influences that align with God’s values for a life of blessing.
I pray this mini-Bible study has been helpful/instructive. If you have questions or comments, email me here.
In His Name,
Roy