Characteristics of the godly and ungodly?

Psalms 1:1–6
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Six weeks before he died, a reporter asked Elvis Presley, “Elvis, when you first started playing music, you said you wanted to be rich, famous and happy. Are you happy?” “I’m very lonely,” he replied. (Source Unknown). … More

Happiness

This first Psalm presents two contrasting types of men whose characteristics and careers will often be observed in the later Psalms; the godly man (vv. 1-3) and the ungodly man (vv. 4-6). The word “blessed” conveys the idea of happiness that flows from a sense of well being. We find here a comparison between happiness found in the Lord and sadness of those who do not know Him.

1. Three things the blessed Man does not do (v. 1). - The reader is cautioned to beware of seeking and accepting the influence of three categories of people; the “wicked,” the “sinners,” and the “mockers."

a. Walk in the counsel of the ungodly (act according to world’s plan).

b. Stand in the way of sinners (fixed in their hardened way of life).

c. Sit in the seat of the scornful (listening to the traditions of men).

2. Three things the blessed Man does do (vv. 2-3). - Rather than associating with the proponents of evil, the blessed man is encouraged to immerse himself in the Word of God.

a. Delights in the Law of the Lord (v. 2)(God’s Word).

b. Meditates day and night (v. 2) (continual conversing).

c. Brings forth fruit (v. 3) (service).

3. Three characteristics of the ungodly man (vv. 4-6).

a. Is like chaff (v. 4) (worthless).

b. Shall not stand (v. 5) (not a leg to stand on before the Judge).

c. Shall perish (v. 6) (will end in disappointment and ruin).

Application

Some good questions to ask - Is my delight in the “law of the Lord?” Do I study God’s Word on a daily basis? Do I use it constantly as a reference manual in everyday situations?

Psalms 1:1-6 (English Standard Version)

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.

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More Psalms commentaries

Characteristics of the godly and ungodly?

Psalms 1:1–6» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

Application

Psalms 1:1-6 (English Standard Version)

Psalms 1:1–6
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)