1 Happy is the man who does not go in the company of sinners, or take his place in the way of evil-doers, or in the seat of those who do not give honour to the Lord.
2 But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and whose mind is on his law day and night.
3 He will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, which gives its fruit at the right time, whose leaves will ever be green; and he will do well in all his undertakings.
4 The evil-doers are not so; but are like the dust from the grain, which the wind takes away.
5 For this cause there will be no mercy for sinners when they are judged, and the evil-doers will have no place among the upright,
6 Because the Lord sees the way of the upright, but the end of the sinner is destruction.
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Commentary on Psalms 1 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
PSALM 1
Ps 1:1-6. The character and condition, and the present and future destiny, of the pious and the wicked are described and contrasted, teaching that true piety is the source of ultimate happiness, and sin of misery. As this is a summary of the teachings of the whole book, this Psalm, whether designedly so placed or not, forms a suitable preface.
1. Blessed—literally, "oh, the happiness"—an exclamation of strong emotion, as if resulting from reflecting on the subject. The use of the plural may denote fulness and variety (2Ch 9:7).
counsel … way … seat—With their corresponding verbs, mark gradations of evil, as acting on the principles, cultivating the society, and permanently conforming to the conduct of the wicked, who are described by three terms, of which the last is indicative of the boldest impiety (compare Ps 26:4, 5; Jer 15:17).
2. law—all of God's word then written, especially the books of Moses (compare Ps 119:1, 55, 97, &c.).
3. like a tree—(Jer 17:7, 8).
planted—settled, fast.
by—or, "over."
the rivers—canals for irrigation.
shall prosper—literally, "make prosper," brings to perfection. The basis of this condition and character is given (Ps 32:1).
4. not so—either as to conduct or happiness.
like the chaff—which, by Eastern modes of winnowing against the wind, was utterly blown away.
5. stand in the judgment—be acquitted. They shall be driven from among the good (Mt 25:45, 46).
6. knoweth the way—attends to and provides for them (Ps 101:6; Pr 12:10; Ho 13:5).
way of the wicked—All their plans will end in disappointment and ruin (Ps 37:13; 146:8; Pr 4:19).