Two Paths, Two Outcomes (Psalm 1:1-6)
Psalm 1 is a short but powerful passage. It opens the entire Book of Psalms by showing us two very different ways to live. One path leads to blessing and strength, while the other leads to emptiness and loss. Let’s take a closer look at what this psalm teaches us.
The Blessed Life
Psalm 1 starts by describing a person who is “blessed.” That means their life is full of purpose, peace, and joy. But what makes them blessed? First, it’s what they don’t do. They don’t follow the advice of the wicked. They don’t stand around with people doing wrong. And they don’t join those who mock or make fun of what is good.
This reminds us that the people we spend time with and the voices we listen to can shape our lives. A blessed life starts with making wise choices about who and what we follow.
A Love for God’s Word
Instead of being pulled in by wrong influences, the blessed person finds joy in God’s Word. They don’t just read it now and then—they think about it often, day and night. It’s like a favorite book they never grow tired of.
Loving God’s Word helps us stay on the right path. It reminds us of what is true and good, even when life gets confusing or hard.
A Tree Planted by Streams
The psalm compares this blessed person to a tree planted beside a stream. The tree gets plenty of water, so it grows strong and healthy. It gives fruit at the right time, and its leaves don’t dry up or fall off.
This is a picture of someone whose life is steady and full of good things. They stay strong in hard times and bring hope and kindness to others. Their roots go deep into God’s truth.
The Fate of the Wicked
But not everyone chooses this path. The wicked—those who reject what is right—are not like the strong tree. They’re compared to chaff, the light, useless husks that blow away in the wind after grain is harvested.
This image shows how unstable and empty life can become when we push away God’s ways. In the end, people who follow this path have no firm ground to stand on.
God Knows the Way
Psalm 1 ends with a comforting truth: God watches over the way of the righteous. He sees every step we take and cares about our journey. But the way of the wicked leads to ruin. It may look good at first, but it doesn’t last.
Which Path Will You Choose?
Psalm 1 invites us to think about the direction of our lives. Are we following voices that lead us away from what’s good? Or are we rooted in God’s Word, growing strong and steady like a tree by the water?
Every day, we make small choices that shape our future. God wants to guide us on the path that leads to life, strength, and lasting joy.
Psalm 1:1-6 (WEB)
1:1 Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked,nor stand on the path of sinners,nor sit in the seat of scoffers;2 but his delight is in the LORD’s law.On his law he meditates day and night.3 He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water,that produces its fruit in its season,whose leaf also does not wither.Whatever he does shall prosper.4 The wicked are not so,but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment,nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,but the way of the wicked shall perish.