1 O the happiness of that one, who Hath not walked in the counsel of the wicked. And in the way of sinners hath not stood, And in the seat of scorners hath not sat;
2 But -- in the law of Jehovah `is' his delight, And in His law he doth meditate by day and by night:
3 And he hath been as a tree, Planted by rivulets of water, That giveth its fruit in its season, And its leaf doth not wither, And all that he doth he causeth to prosper.
4 Not so the wicked: But -- as chaff that wind driveth away!
5 Therefore the wicked rise not in judgment, Nor sinners in the company of the righteous,
6 For Jehovah is knowing the way of the righteous, And the way of the wicked is lost!
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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).