Psalms Chapter 1 — The Two Paths
This chapter describes the contrast between the righteous, who thrive by following God's law, and the wicked, whose lives lack stability and lead to ruin.
1Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked,
2but his delight is in the LORD’s*When rendered in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, “LORD” or “GOD” is the translation of God’s Proper Name (Hebrew “יהוה”, usually pronounced Yahweh). law.
3He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water,
4The wicked are not so,
5Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment,
6For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalms 1:1
“Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked,”
This opening line introduces the concept of the 'blessed' person and their separation from negative influences.
3
“He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water,”
This verse uses a powerful nature metaphor to illustrate the spiritual stability and health of those who follow God's law.
Chapter Summary
Psalms Chapter 1 introduces the book of Psalms by presenting two different ways of life: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. The righteous person is characterized by a refusal to follow the advice of the wicked and a deep delight in the law of the LORD. This individual is likened to a tree planted by streams of water, suggesting a life of stability and nourishment. Conversely, the wicked are described as being unlike the righteous, implying they lack this firm foundation. The text states that the wicked will not endure the judgment or be included in the assembly of the righteous. The chapter concludes by affirming that the LORD knows the way of the righteous, which contrasts with the path of the wicked.
Frequently Asked Questions
The righteous person is compared to a tree planted by streams of water. This image represents a life that is well-nourished, stable, and consistently productive.
According to the text, delighting in the law involves focusing on God's instructions rather than following the advice or lifestyle of the wicked. This focus brings a sense of blessing and purpose to the individual.
The chapter states that the wicked will not stand in the judgment. Their path is contrasted with that of the righteous, whom the LORD knows and protects.
Study Note
Psalm 1 serves as a literary preface to the entire book of Psalms, establishing the foundational theme of choosing between wisdom and folly.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.