Psalms 1

World English Bible (WEB)•6 verses•~1 min read

Chapter Overview

The opening psalm sets the choice that runs through the entire Psalter: walk with the wicked or delight in God's instruction. The blessed person is pictured as a tree planted by streams of water, fruitful and unmoved, while the wicked are like chaff the wind drives away. It functions as a doorway into the whole book, framing worship and prayer as the fruit of a rooted life.

Key Themes

The Two WaysMeditating on ScriptureFruitful LivingBlessednessJudgment and Reward

Notable Verses

Verse 1

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinner..."

Verse 2

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."

Verse 3

"And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his sea..."

Reflection Questions

Whose counsel are you most influenced by right now, and is it drawing you toward God or away from Him?

What practical step would help you actually meditate on Scripture rather than only read it?

Where in your life are you bearing fruit, and where do the roots need deeper water?

Related Passages

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Joshua 1:8 Matthew 7:24-27

1Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;

2but his delight is in the Lord's Law. On his Law he meditates day and night.

3He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.

4The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.