Chapter Summary
Psalm 1 contrasts two ways of living: the blessed person who delights in God's law and prospers like a tree planted by streams of water, versus the wicked who are like chaff blown away by the wind. This wisdom psalm opens the entire Psalter by establishing that meditation on God's Word is the foundation of a flourishing life.
Key Verses in This Chapter
Psalms Chapter 1
Chapter 1 of Psalms from the Holy Bible
Verses
Psalms 1:1
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psalms 1:2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psalms 1:3
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Psalms 1:4
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Psalms 1:5
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
Psalms 1:6
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
People Also Ask
What does Psalm 1 teach about happiness?
Psalm 1 teaches that true happiness (blessedness) comes not from following popular opinion but from delighting in and meditating on God's instruction. The blessed person avoids the progressive pull of sin (walking, standing, sitting with the wicked) and instead finds stability and fruitfulness through anchoring their life in Scripture.
What does the tree metaphor in Psalm 1 mean?
The tree planted by streams of water represents a person rooted in God's Word. Such a person has constant nourishment (streams), produces good results (fruit in season), maintains vitality (leaves do not wither), and prospers in their endeavors. The image contrasts with chaff - weightless, rootless, blown away - representing the wicked.