Psalm 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.”
I read an article that stated that the first Psalm constitutes a contrast between the godly individual who delights in God’s law and the ungodly person who is destined for destruction. “Blessed” literally means “happy”; enjoying spiritual happiness and the favor of God; enjoying heavenly felicity. And the habits of such a happy one are described as not only avoiding the thought patterns and lifestyle of the ungodly, but also delighting in and obeying the Word of God. Psalm 1:1-3 describes four results of being blessed or happy in the biblical sense.
First, “he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water,” with the implication being to dwell in a secure, bountiful state. The verb “plant” actually means “transplanted,” now firmly rooted and provided for, no longer vulnerable, tentative, and undernourished.
Second, he “brings forth his fruit in his season.” One does not so nourish a tree without any purpose. Here, following the analogy, the godly individual, nourished and protected by his Maker, can likewise expect to accomplish a purpose—in this case to bear spiritual, eternal fruit.
Third, “his leaf also shall not wither.” Eternal life is the present possession of all who have been born again/ “transplanted” by the Lord. Such a one can expect to faithfully bring forth precious fruit in each season of his life.
Fourth, “whatsoever he does shall prosper.” Success in each endeavor undertaken by one whose delight is the Lord can be expected, such success defined by that which brings spiritual maturity, and eternal fruit, and prosperity, as He defines prosperity.
Before you speak… Listen
Before you write… Think
Before you spend… Earn
Before you pray… Forgive
Before you hurt… Feel
Before you hate… Love
Before you quit… Try
Before you die… Live
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