The Blessed, The Judged, and The Approved: Lessons from Psalm 1
Psalm 1 serves as a gateway to the entire Book of psalms, presenting a thoughtful contrast between two ways of life—one that leads to divine blessing and another that ends in judgment. This psalm divides humanity into three categories: The Blessed (Righteous) The Judged (Wicked) The Approved (Those known by God) 1. The Blessed (Psalm 1:1-3) The psalm opens with a declaration of blessing ("Blessed is the man...") further explaining blessed life is not accidental but the result of deliberate choices. A. Whom will God Bless? Walks not in the counsel of the wicked – God will bless those who do not take advice or walk in the path directed by those who reject God’s wisdom. Nor stands in the path of sinners – God will bless those who refuse to adopt the lifestyle of those who live in rebellion against God. Nor sits in the seat of scoffers – Will be blessed, w...