World English Bible

Psalm 1

Psalm 1 introduces the Psalms with a contrast between two ways of life. One person is shaped by delight in God's instruction and is compared to a well-watered tree; the wicked are compared to chaff that cannot endure. The psalm does not describe a trouble-free life. It presents a wisdom framework for the collection, asking what forms a person over time and where each path ultimately leads.

1Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;

2but his delight is in Yahweh's law. On his law he meditates day and night.

3He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.

4The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.

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Scripture text: World English Bible (public domain).