DrIBEX Ideas

This Psalm of the “Two Ways” draws on a Jewish teaching paradigm shared by the Wisdom Literature (Pr. 1–9), Him who is Incarnate Wisdom (Matt. 7:13–14), and THE Wisdom writing of the NT (Jas. 3:13–18).

1:1 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;
2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 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.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

The way of blessing (vv. 1–3). God will bless your life, but you must be “blessable.” That means being first of all, separated from the world (v. 1). This means avoiding the steps that lead to sin: considering sin (walking), contemplating sin (standing), and being comfortable in sin (sitting). Watch your step!
Blessing also involves being saturated with the Word (v. 2) The Word guides your walk and rejoices your heart ( Jer. 15:16). Meditation is to your inner person what digestion is to your outer person. Feed inwardly and outwardly and you will grow accordingly!
Blessing also involves being situated by the water (v. 3). Do the above (vv. 1–2) and your spiritual roots will go deep beside the river of God’s grace, and you will bear fruit because the power of His grace will course through your branches!

The way of perishing (vv. 4–6). When Jesus offers abundant life, how tragic that some still perish! Contrast the tree and the chaff if you want to see the difference between the godly and the ungodly. Those who choose this way are unstable (v. 4); they are unprepared (v. 5); and they are unknown (v.6). The godly receive blessing (v. 3) while the ungodly receive judgment (v. 6).

Psalm One begins with “blessed” and ends with “perish.” This introduces you to the Psalms as a whole, but it also presents you with a choice between two paths in life. As previously mentioned, the “two ways” appear throughout the Scriptures as the choices that each of us face in life (Josh. 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21). Which “way” will you choose to walk?

O, Lord, grant that through my study of Your word and through the nourishment of Your grace, I may know the happiness of walking that good way where You are ever at my side. AMEN.

*From Awake O Harp, to be published in February.*