Psalm 1 is a devotional psalm that contrasts two individuals: the righteous and the unrighteous. The righteous life is described as regulated by the Word of God. The attitude of the righteous individual is one of continual delight and constant meditation upon biblical truth. The enduring blessing of God is extended to those who pursue righteousness, and therefore is not a momentary feeling but the result of participation in the divine life. The relationship of the righteous individual to the Word of God is not superficial. The righteous are not only redeemed according to God’s provision through the living Word, but also study the written Word to demonstrate themselves as approved servants of God.

 

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked” (Ps 1:1). One who walks the path of righteousness is blessed if his/her “walk” is not detained alongside those of the wicked. Moreover, the walk of the righteous is “like a tree” planted firmly by its source of water. There are three characteristics of the walk of the righteous that form a simile (1:1-3).

First, in contrast to chaff, which is easily blown and moved, a tree is permanent. Unlikely to be moved by adverse winds, a tree stands firm and stationary. Secondly, the tree is productive in yielding fruit by season. Trees produce their fruit regularly not haphazardly. Thirdly, the righteous individual is therefore characterized by permanence (consistency) in his/her manner of living. The success of those who walk a righteous life is attributed to the fact that he or she lives in accordance with the purpose and will of God.

There exists a vast chasm between the life of the righteous and the unrighteous. The psalmist declared, “the wicked are not so,” in contrast to the life of the righteous (1:4). The ungodly individual is likened to chaff. Chaff is lifeless and transitory. The life of the unrighteous is futile, shallow, and unsubstantial. The illustration of the life of the unrighteous is explained in verses 5-6 of Psalm 1.

The psalmist stated that the unrighteous “will not stand in the judgment.” The unrighteous have no means of defense. The works of those who live ungodly will expose them for who they are (Rev 20:11-15). The unrighteous will be excluded from “the assembly of the righteous” (Acts 17:31; Rev 21:8; 22:15). The destiny of the unrighteous is entirely different from the righteous.

In contrast to the chaff, the imagery of the righteous “like a tree” is a picture of life and stability. The unrighteous “will perish” but the godly will be preserved “for the Lord knows the way of the righteous.” God knows the life of the righteous in a personal and intimate manner. The Lord “knows” the righteous, as those who nourish themselves spiritually on the Word of God. The righteous are blessed because God graces, guides, and protects them. The life of the righteous is separate from the deceptions and defilements of those who do not internalize the Word of God.

Every person must ask the soul-searching question, “What life am I living?” One walk leads to blessedness and permanence and the other to ruin. The Word of God requires one to determine the manner of his/her life accurately and carefully. The walk of the righteousness is by God’s grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The genuineness of the life of the righteous is then proved by one’s spiritual actions and character.

Ron J. Bigalke, Ph.D.
Capitol Commission Georgia

CapitolCom.org

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