Psalms 1
Berean Standard Bible · Compare translations · Tap a verse to copy, share or highlight ·
6 verses · 123 words · ~1 min read · ~1 min listen
BOOK I
The Two Paths
1Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
or set foot on the path of sinners,
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2But his delight is in the Law of the Lord,
and on His law he meditates day and night.
3He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
yielding its fruit in season,
whose leaf does not wither,
and who prospers in all he does.
4Not so the wicked!
For they are like chaff driven off by the wind.
5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6For the Lord guards the path of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Study notes on this chapter · 1
BackgroundWidely held reading
Two ways: the tree and the chaff
The Psalter opens with a choice between delighting in instruction — like a tree planted by streams — and the way of the wicked, scattered like chaff. The image sets up the whole book's contrast between the righteous and the wicked.
When: Opens the book of Psalms; quoted in the New Testament's picture of the blessed life.
Original passagePsalms 1:1–6
Echoed inMatthew 7:24–27 — Jesus' wise builder on the rock and foolish builder on sand.
Editorial note by BibleWay. Interpretations vary; dates are approximate scholarly estimates.