Psalms 1

Chapter Summary

The opening wisdom psalm contrasts the righteous person who meditates on Torah day and night, becoming like a fruitful tree by streams of water, with the wicked who are like chaff driven away by wind. It functions as a preface to the entire Psalter, orienting readers toward the way of the righteous.

1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

2But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

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

6For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.