Analysis Psalm 1: The Righteous and The Sinners
1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked
Psalm 1:1-6
or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.
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.
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.
6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
To define the word Justice, we see the answer in the book of Psalms 97:11 says “Justice gives a person light and happiness” – this light comes from the only righteous one, who is Jehovah, just as it says in the book of Lamentations 1:18 – “Jehovah is righteous”. In other words, God’s justice is defined, in love, mercy, and holiness. As a practitioner of God’s justice we must be just as Jesus was. Giving to demonstrate that light, which abounds in us.
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
Psalm 1:1
The first verse commences with the word “Blessed.” In times of old, this term signified the act of congratulating someone for their virtuous deeds. It proceeds to assert that true blessing lies in heeding not the counsel of those whose hearts have strayed from God. Such individuals can only offer advice that contradicts God’s will, leading to ill-advised decisions. Prior to making choices that may steer one down an unrighteous path, it is imperative to listen and assess. Delaying a decision allows for reflection, preventing hasty actions that may later bring regret. Consequently, this verse extols those who refrain from aligning themselves with the wicked, avoiding the paths of sinners, and abstaining from the company of those who ridicule others.
The term “mockers,” as found in the dictionary, denotes individuals who engage in bullying and heartlessly jest at others’ misfortunes. This brings to mind the biblical narrative where Satan tempts individuals with their most coveted desires, often in defiance of God’s will, thereby transgressing divine law. Subsequently, Satan proceeds to taunt and sow doubt, injecting negative thoughts regarding one’s character, family, and friends. In Psalm 1 verse 1, the verse draws a stark comparison between those who heed the guidance of individuals not aligned with God’s will and those whose actions contravene God’s law.
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night
Psalm 1:2
These are important keywords to understand better the verse, “delight” and “meditates.” Delight translate to joy, happiness, constantly thinking in _____ (something you like a lot) and mediates refers to constantly think in something. When you read, study and daily re-think again in God, and his majesty by creating everything you see on earth, under seas, the universe, skies, etc. It gives you peace. Because God knows our needs, he just want us to trust in him and walk in faith believing on his promises. When we constantly think in his words, there’s no space left on our hearts and minds to think in something else. Then the verse about, Luke 6:45 – if our hearts are feel with good things centered in God’s justice, we will conduct in justice and love, show mercy, and holiness towards our brothers and sisters. We can tolerate others, in patience, and specially we can be like “Jesus” in his teachings.
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
Psalm 1:3
and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.
I found this analogy quite profound. It likens us to trees firmly planted by streams of water. When we put our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and trust in His promises, our lives become abundantly filled with everything we require, all in accordance with His mercy and perfect timing. It’s truly remarkable that, in our journey with Jesus, this analogy suggests that our leaves do not wither. In the natural world, leaves inevitably wither over time, but this comparison conveys that a tree perfectly planted in this way has no need for water. This aligns with one of the characteristics of the Holy Spirit, who is often symbolized as water. In fact, the Bible affirms that Jesus is the living water in John 6:35.
Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away.
Psalm 1:4
The wicked are firmly rooted in their possessions, like chaff in Hebrew, translated as “Hevel,” which means smoke. In this analogy, those who live sinful lives or believe in the permanence of such a lifestyle are on a path towards spiritual and physical destruction. When life’s trials and tribulations arise, these individuals place their trust in their “chaff” or “Hevel.” However, since these things lack a solid foundation, they inevitably dissipate, leading to people’s downfall.
In stark contrast, those who place their faith in God’s promises find a firm foundation. God remains steadfast in fulfilling His Word. We must relish in the righteousness of Jesus and trust in His justice.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
Psalm 1:5
People separated from Law are in a road of death sooner or later.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Psalm 1:6
Destruction is the end of the ones with strong heart not willing to accept the Salvation Plan.
