Psalm 1
Psalm 1 sets the tone for the entire book of Psalms. It reveals the difference between living God’s way versus living our own way. It beautifully demonstrates what it looks like to follow the Lord and it sadly illustrates the state of the wicked. It simplifies for us a truth we all will come to know: we can choose a life of wisdom as we follow the Lord, or wickedness, separated from God.
Who do you listen to?
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (NIV)
Blessed, or bestowed with happiness, is the one who does not follow the path of the wicked. Blessed is the one who does not even listen to what they say.
The three verbs here show an increasing level of commitment. “Walking in the counsel [or instruction] of” gives the impression of following someone who is leading them. When someone “stands,” they come alongside and spend time there. Sitting shows they have fully accepted their leadership and are willing act on what they have learned, taking a seat of authority. (See Psalm 99:1) However, in this verse, the one who does not do these things is blessed.
Looking at the original Hebrew, the “wicked” are those who are guilty of sin and deserving of death. They are unrepentant. “Sinners” are those who are against God. Not only are they guilty of sin and unrepentant, but they are shaking their fists at God in defiance. “Mockers” go a step farther and ridicule those who serve the Lord.
Simply listening to the counsel of someone who doesn’t follow the Lord can slowly lead us down the path of eventually joining them. Talking with someone who doesn’t know the Lord isn’t bad. Indeed, it should be encouraged if we are to share the good news of Messiah with them. But listening to their advice and taking it to heart is another thing altogether.
There are a lot of people I would call acquaintances. I know them, but not very well. We talk and encourage one another. However, I wouldn’t go to them for advice because I’m not sure where their loyalties lie. I don’t want to be led astray.
Others, I would call friends. We occasionally do things together and enjoy one another’s company. We have delightful conversation, and sometimes share opinions as we get to know each other more. Among them, there are varying levels of trust.
And then there is my very small group of beloved, cherished sisters in the Lord. I know them well and they know me. We have lived life together, some for many years. I trust them because I have seen how they make decisions in view of what Scripture teaches. We have admonished one another to make God-honoring choices, even when it hurts. Those are the people I sit down with. They are the ones I listen to and receive counsel from because I know they are seeking God’s best for themselves and for me.
We must purpose in our hearts to listen to the Lord and follow His commandments. And this means we must be wise in who we allow to influence our hearts. We need discernment to see the difference between godly and ungodly advice. Only through Scripture, with the help of the Holy Spirit, can we discern such things.
Thank You, Lord, that You give us Your Word to teach us how to discern good advice from bad. Help me to love You with all my heart and to commit myself to following You alone. Forgive me for listening to ungodly advice and help me to know when I am doing that. Fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit and give me a discerning mind to seek Your wisdom and not worldly wisdom. I love You, Lord.
or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. (NIV)
Blessed, or bestowed with happiness, is the one who does not follow the path of the wicked. Blessed is the one who does not even listen to what they say.
The three verbs here show an increasing level of commitment. “Walking in the counsel [or instruction] of” gives the impression of following someone who is leading them. When someone “stands,” they come alongside and spend time there. Sitting shows they have fully accepted their leadership and are willing act on what they have learned, taking a seat of authority. (See Psalm 99:1) However, in this verse, the one who does not do these things is blessed.
Looking at the original Hebrew, the “wicked” are those who are guilty of sin and deserving of death. They are unrepentant. “Sinners” are those who are against God. Not only are they guilty of sin and unrepentant, but they are shaking their fists at God in defiance. “Mockers” go a step farther and ridicule those who serve the Lord.
Simply listening to the counsel of someone who doesn’t follow the Lord can slowly lead us down the path of eventually joining them. Talking with someone who doesn’t know the Lord isn’t bad. Indeed, it should be encouraged if we are to share the good news of Messiah with them. But listening to their advice and taking it to heart is another thing altogether.
There are a lot of people I would call acquaintances. I know them, but not very well. We talk and encourage one another. However, I wouldn’t go to them for advice because I’m not sure where their loyalties lie. I don’t want to be led astray.
Others, I would call friends. We occasionally do things together and enjoy one another’s company. We have delightful conversation, and sometimes share opinions as we get to know each other more. Among them, there are varying levels of trust.
And then there is my very small group of beloved, cherished sisters in the Lord. I know them well and they know me. We have lived life together, some for many years. I trust them because I have seen how they make decisions in view of what Scripture teaches. We have admonished one another to make God-honoring choices, even when it hurts. Those are the people I sit down with. They are the ones I listen to and receive counsel from because I know they are seeking God’s best for themselves and for me.
We must purpose in our hearts to listen to the Lord and follow His commandments. And this means we must be wise in who we allow to influence our hearts. We need discernment to see the difference between godly and ungodly advice. Only through Scripture, with the help of the Holy Spirit, can we discern such things.
Thank You, Lord, that You give us Your Word to teach us how to discern good advice from bad. Help me to love You with all my heart and to commit myself to following You alone. Forgive me for listening to ungodly advice and help me to know when I am doing that. Fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit and give me a discerning mind to seek Your wisdom and not worldly wisdom. I love You, Lord.
