Reading the Text
PSALM 1 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Examining the Text
According to the psalmist, the blessed life is not luck; it’s the Spirit-formed fruit of delighting in God’s Word and avoiding the slow drift of sin.
Psalm 1 presents two paths and a promise: the blessed life is Spirit-formed through delight in God’s Word, while the way that treats God lightly ends in ruin. Now let’s spend a few minutes diving into the text. When the Psalmist states, “Blessed” (v.1), he is speaking of covenant well-being, that is, God’s favor, stability, and joy, not the emotion. Notice the downward progression: walk, stand, sit. We rarely leap into rebellion; we settle into it step by step. First, heeding ungodly counsel, then lingering in sinful patterns, and finally belonging among scoffers who mock God’s truth.
By contrast, the righteous person’s distinguishing mark is delight (v.2). God’s “law” (Torah) means His instruction, in other words, His revealed will in Scripture. Meditation “day and night” is not emptiness; it’s an active and repeated contemplation of the Word until it shapes our thoughts and actions. Then, the image shifts to a tree “planted by streams” (v.3). The verb suggests intentional placement. God plants His people near His Word so they become rooted (stable), nourished (streams), fruitful (in season), and resilient (leaf does not wither).
“In all that he does, he prospers” is not a promise of health or wealth, but of spiritual faithfulness. God’s blessings enable faithful Christians to accomplish His purposes, even in the midst of suffering (see the lives of Joseph and Paul). Meanwhile, “the wicked are not so” (v.4). Instead, they are like chaff; they might be flashy for a moment, but they are gone with the wind.
Verses 5–6 look ahead to God’s judgment and the fate of God’s people. The wicked will not “stand” among the congregation of the righteous; their chosen path collapses beneath them. Yet, comfort comes in the final line: “the LORD knows the way of the righteous.” Ultimately, Psalm 1 points us to Jesus, the truly Blessed Man who perfectly delighted in the Father’s will. By grace through faith, we are counted righteous in Him and empowered by the Spirit to walk this path (Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 8:1-4). Grace doesn’t make the path optional; it makes it possible.
Applying the Text
Curate your counsel (v.1).
Audit your influences today. Which voices set your mood and steer your choices: is it the news, podcasts, group chats, influencers? Are the influences in your life pushing you toward Christ or away? If they are pushing you further away from the Lord, would you consider muting those voices and seeking to replace them with Christ-honoring ones? For example, it could be the music you listen to or the podcast sources from which you glean your information.
Practice delight, not duty (v.2).
For the next week, take a few unhurried minutes with Scripture. If you are not spending time in God’s Word already daily, start with 10 minutes, with a goal of reaching 30 minutes over the next month. During this unhurried time, read the text aloud. Then, circle or write down one truth about God and one command or promise. Then pray something like this: “Father, You are . Help me to today.” I’d encourage you to write it down in a notebook, or on a card, or have a note in your phone’s note app. Delight grows where attention goes. The more time you spend in the Word and reflecting on it, the deeper your affection for God will grow.
Plant yourself in a Church (v. 3, 5–6).
Trees thrive because of where they’re planted. Commit to your local church: gather regularly in Sunday School and other discipleship opportunities, commit to being an active worshipper through singing, intently listening, and applying the preached Word, and don’t be afraid to discuss the sermon with others afterwards. If you’re not in a small group or class, reach out to your pastors and let them help you get connected with a group today. Fruitfulness is personal but never private; God grows us in both our secret place with him and in Christian community.
Praying the Text
Father, thank You for giving Your Word as living water to nourish me. Forgive me for listening to voices that pull me away from You and towards unrighteousness. By Your Spirit, teach my heart to delight in Your instruction and plant me deeply in You. Make me faithful in Christ. Amen.
