Psalm 1 (NIV)
Verse 1
1 Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers,
“Blessed.” Literally, happy. God wants you to be happy and provides the way of happiness as there are many such “beatitudes” (blessed sayings) found throughout the whole Bible.
“Does not.” A negative command. Many people aren’t thrilled about God’s “do not” commands, but this comes from rebellion and immaturity. The godly and wise understand how the world actually works and that one cannot simply do whatever they want and expect things to go right. There has to be “do nots” that rein in our foolish and sinful desires.
“Walk.” Your conduct, or way of life.
“Stand.” Your stances, values and beliefs.
“Sit.” Your preferred company and partnerships.
Verse 2
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
“Delight.” What makes you happy, fulfilled, enthused.
“Law of the Lord.” The wise instruction of God, particularly that which is contained in the Torah.
“Meditates.” Focused thought and contemplation, in a consistent and disciplined manner.
Verse 3
3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.
“Like a tree.” Thriving, intimately connected to its life source.
“Yields it fruit.” The produce of godly living, character, home life, purpose positive impact.
“Does not wither.” Remains in a state of spiritual vigor, and, with the spiritual life, all other things prosper.
Verse 4-5
4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
“Not so.” The wicked are not like the blessed man; their decrepit spirituality brings death to all things.
“Stand in the judgment.” They will stand condemned by God for their wicked misdeeds.
“Assembly of the righteous.” There is no place for the wicked among those gathered in the worship of God.
Verse 6
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
“The way of the righteous.” God ensures the good outcome of the righteous one.
“The way of the wicked.” God ensures the evil outcome of the wicked one.