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Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessing of God's Word.

Psalm 1:1-3 (NKJV) Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

WORD STUDY

Law of the LORD: means all of Scripture: [Life Application SB]

Christian Meditation: is persistent reflection on God's Word. You can learn how to follow God by meditating on his Word. Meditating means spending time reading and thinking about what you have read. It means asking yourself how you should change so you're living as God wants. Knowing and meditating on God's Word are the first steps toward applying it to your everyday life. [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARL

Apart from Him you have no life. You have no power to resist temptation or to grow in grace and holiness. Abiding in Him, you may flourish. Drawing your life from Him, you will not wither nor be fruitless. You will be like a tree planted by the rivers of water.... Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness, - all depend upon our union with Christ. It is by communion with Him, daily, hourly, - by abiding in Him, - that we are to grow in grace. He is not only the Author, but the Finisher of our faith. It is Christ first and last and always. He is to be with us, not only at the beginning and the end of our course, but at every step of the way. SC68-70

COMMENTARY

   There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than a study of the Bible. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, that is rarely seen in these times.
   No knowledge is so firm, so consistent, so far-reaching, as that obtained from a study of the Word of God. If there were not another book in the wide world, the Word of God, lived out through the grace of Christ, would make man perfect in this world, with a character fitted for the future, immortal life. Those who study the Word, taking it in faith as the truth, and receiving it into the character, will be complete in Him who is all and in all. Thank God for the possibilities set before humanity. . .
   The time devoted to a study of God's Word and to prayer will bring a hundredfold in return.
   The Word of God is the living seed, and as this seed is sown in the mind, the human agent must give diligent care to the successive stages of its growth. How is this to be done? After the Word has been prayerfully received, it is to be cherished, and practiced in the daily life. It is to spring up and bear fruit, putting forth first the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear.
   It is not enough to study the Bible as other books are studied. In order for it to be understood savingly, the Holy Spirit must move on the heart of the searcher. The same Spirit that inspired the Word must inspire the reader of the Word. Then will be heard the voice of heaven. "Thy Word, O God, is truth" will be the language of the soul.
   The mere reading of the Word will not accomplish the result designed of Heaven; it must be studied, and cherished in the heart. The knowledge of God is not gained without mental effort. We should diligently study the Bible, asking God for the aid of the Holy Spirit, that we may understand His Word. We should take one verse, and concentrate the mind on the task of ascertaining the thought which God has put in that verse for us. We should dwell on the thought till it becomes our own, and we know "what saith the Lord."...
   The Word of God is the bread of life. Those who eat and digest this Word, making it a part of every action and of every attribute of character, grow strong in the strength of God. It gives immortal vigor to the soul, perfecting the experience and bringing joys that will abide forever.  {LHU 111}

ILLUSTRATION

From Seedling To Tree
   It is no accident that the Bible compares us to trees, urging us to grow spiritual roots that are deep and strong. But a tree wasn't always a tree. It began as a small seed. Spiritual life also begins with a seed - the seed of God's Word planted in the soil of our souls that eventually sprouts and becomes a new seedling as we are born again. But though we're saved, we aren't meant to remain spiritual seedlings, weak and vulnerable to every temptation or doubt or falsehood or fear. God's will is for us to grow strong in our faith and become mature, grounded in the truth of His Word and firmly committed to doing His will (1 Peter 2:2).
   Giving your life to Christ is an essential first step - but it is only the first step. God's will is for you to become spiritually mature, growing stronger in your relationship to Christ and your service for Him. Conversion is the work of an instant; spiritual maturity is the work of a lifetime.
   Is your faith like a seedling, a sprout, or a mature tree? [Peace for Each Day by Billy Graham]

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Just as a tree soaks up water and bears luscious fruit, we also are to soak up God's Word, producing actions and attitudes that honor God. To achieve anything worthwhile, we must have God's Word in our hearts. [Life Application SB]

Seek to be an evergreen tree. Wear the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Cherish the grace of love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. This is the fruit of the Christian tree. Planted by the rivers of water, it always brings forth its fruit in due season (MS 39, 1896). 3BC1142

AI COMMENTARY

   The essence of Psalms 1:1-3 is the stark contrast between the path of the righteous and the wicked, revealing that true blessedness (happiness/prosperity) comes from delighting in and meditating on God's law, leading to stability, fruitfulness, and spiritual vitality, like a tree thriving by water, while the wicked wither. It's about choosing God's wisdom over worldly counsel, finding joy and life in His Word, and experiencing lasting prosperity in all areas of life.
   Key Themes:
      o Rejection of the Wicked: The blessed person avoids the advice, path, and company of the wicked, sinners, and mockers, indicating a deliberate turning away from ungodliness.
      o Delight in God's Law: Their focus isn't mere obedience but a deep, joyful engagement with God's teachings, pondering them day and night.
      o Spiritual Nourishment: God's law becomes their source of life, like water to a tree, providing constant sustenance.
      o Fruitfulness & Prosperity: This consistent nourishment leads to bearing fruit (good deeds/spiritual growth) in due season and a lasting, prospering life, not necessarily material wealth, but holistic well-being.
   In essence, Psalm 1:1-3 presents a blueprint for a blessed life: align your life with God's Word (delight and meditate) to experience lasting flourishing, contrasting sharply with the withering fate of those who follow the wicked path.

   In Psalms 1:1-3, not walking, standing, or sitting with the wicked signifies a deliberate, progressive avoidance of ungodly influence, leading to delight in God's law, meditation on His word, and ultimately flourishing like a well-rooted tree, while the wicked are compared to chaff blown away, failing to stand in judgment and perishing. It's a journey from avoiding bad counsel to fully embracing God's way, resulting in success and spiritual vitality, unlike the fleeting, destructive path of the ungodly.
   Here's a breakdown of the progression:
      o Not Walking in their Counsel: Avoiding the advice, ideas, and guidance of the ungodly. This is the initial step of not following their direction.
      o Not Standing in their Path: Refusing to align with or participate in habitual sin, choosing to move away from their lifestyle and patterns of behavior.
      o Not Sitting in the Seat of the Scornful: Not joining or becoming comfortable with those who mock God, His truth, and righteousness, which signifies a complete rejection of their cynical mindset.
   Implications of this progression:
      o Spiritual Growth: This deliberate separation from evil fosters a deeper connection with God and His Word, leading to wisdom and blessing.
      o Contrast with the Wicked: While the righteous flourish (like a tree by water, bearing fruit), the wicked are unstable (like chaff) and will not endure judgment, perishing in their way.
      o Rootedness in God's Law: The blessed person's delight is in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night, which provides life and prosperity.
      o Avoidance of Corruption: The principle echoes warnings like "Bad company corrupts good character" (1 Corinthians 15:33) and Proverbs 13:20, highlighting that companionship with the wicked leads to harm.

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessing of God's Word.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2022/20220210-0919.html

Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessing of God's Word for the New Year.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2018/20180119-1012.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/