Psalms 1

Psalms 1:1-6

the Two Ways and the Two Ends Psalms 1:1-6 Like a signpost, this psalm points the road to blessedness. The opening word may be read, “ Oh, the blessedness!” The psalm begins with the same message as the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1-48. Beneath the lintel of benediction we pass into the temple of praise. Blessedness is obtainable in two ways: negatively, we may avoid the society of the irreligious; positively, we must enter the company of prophets and kings, of psalmists and historians, and especially of God Himself, speaking in Scripture. Do not simply read the Bible; meditate upon it. Better one verse really masticated than a whole chapter bolted. The rewards are, to be planted by rivers, to bear fruit, and to prosper. See Genesis 39:3-4; Genesis 49:22. How blessed it is, also, to realize that God knows and loves! See Psalms 56:8. The sinner begins with ungodliness, goes on to scorning, and ends as chaff, Matthew 13:30.

BLESSED IS THE MANThis Psalm, like a sign-post, points the way to blessedness. The opening word may be read, “Oh, the blessedness!” In this exclamation is embodied the experience of a life, ratified and sealed by the Holy Spirit. The Psalter begins with the same message as the Sermon on the Mount. Blessedness is more than happiness. Beneath the lintel of this benediction we pass into the temple of praise. Blessedness is to be obtained in two ways. Psalms 1:1 Negatively. Avoid the company of the irreligious. You must mix with them in daily business but do not choose their society. When free from necessary engagements seek God’s people. (Acts 4:23).

Psalms 1:2 Positively. We cannot live on negations. If we withdraw ourselves from evil men, we must enter the circle of prophets, kings, Psalmists and historians, who wait to share within the circle of sacred Scripture.

It is not enough to read the Bible as a duty–we must come to it with delight. This is possible if you eschew light and foolish literature which cloys the appetite. Read the Book in happy fellowship with its Author; meditate until it is assimilated (James 1:25). Better one verse digested than a whole chapter bolted.

Psalms 1:3 The rewards of the blessed man. He shall be under Divine culture, planted (Psalms 92:13); within reach of perennial supplies, planted by rivers (John 7:38-39); prepared against any demand or emergency–fruit in season; unfading beauty and freshness, a spiritual evergreen; and prosperity even in this world, because his life is ordered by discretion and obedience to Divine principles. Joseph realized this picture (Genesis 39:3-4).

Psalms 1:4 The contrast to the blessed man. It might be rendered, Not so ungodly, not so. As to their career, all that has been said of the righteous is to be reversed. They go from bad to worse in their choice of company; beginning with the ungodly, and ending with the scornful; and from walking, they pass to standing and sitting, which give the idea of permanence and of settled enjoyment. As to their nature, they are as chaff, utterly worthless. As to their doom, they shall be forgotten on earth, leaving no trace, taking no root; and they shall be forever excluded from the other world (Matthew 13:30; Revelation 21:27).

Psalms 1:5 The comforts of the blessed man. God knows his way, though dark and difficult. Nothing is hidden from Him who bottles our tears (Psalms 56:8); and He will not let us be over pressed. Though the ungodly may appear to prosper at the expense of the righteous, ultimately the way of the ungodly shall perish (see Psalms 37:1-40). Wherefore, rest in the Lord. Your blessedness is better than the ill-gotten gains of the ungodly and will last longer.