[1] Blessed 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.
Blessed — The Hebrew words are very emphatical: O the blessedness of that man! Counsel - That doth not lead his life according to their counsel, or manner of living.
Standeth — Which notes a more settled abode in it.
Way — In their manner of conversation.
Seat — Which notes a constant and resolved perseverance in their wicked courses.
Scornful — Of those who make a mock of sin, and scoff at goodness and goodmen. Divers observe a gradation in this verse; the following clause still exceeding the former, for standing is more than walking, and sitting more than standing; and sinners in scripture use, are worse than the ungodly, and the scornful are the worst of sinners.
Verse 2
[2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Day and night — Not seldom and slightly, but diligently, and constantly.
Verse 3
[3] And 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.
Whither — His happiness is not short and transitory, but, like those trees which are continually green and flourishing.
Verse 4
[4] The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Ungodly — Their condition is far different.
Chaff — They are restless and unquiet: their seeming felicity, hath no firm foundation, but quickly vanishes and flees away as chaff before the wind.
Verse 5
[5] Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
Not stand — Not endure the trial.
Judgment — In the great and general judgment of the world.
Verse 6
[6] For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Knoweth — He approves, loves, and delights in them, and therefore will recompence them.
Perish — All their designs and courses shall come to nothing, and they shall perish with them.
Psalm 1 Bible Commentary
John Wesley’s Explanatory Notes
Verse 1
[1] Blessed 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.
Blessed — The Hebrew words are very emphatical: O the blessedness of that man! Counsel - That doth not lead his life according to their counsel, or manner of living.
Standeth — Which notes a more settled abode in it.
Way — In their manner of conversation.
Seat — Which notes a constant and resolved perseverance in their wicked courses.
Scornful — Of those who make a mock of sin, and scoff at goodness and goodmen. Divers observe a gradation in this verse; the following clause still exceeding the former, for standing is more than walking, and sitting more than standing; and sinners in scripture use, are worse than the ungodly, and the scornful are the worst of sinners.
Verse 2
[2] But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Day and night — Not seldom and slightly, but diligently, and constantly.
Verse 3
[3] And 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.
Whither — His happiness is not short and transitory, but, like those trees which are continually green and flourishing.
Verse 4
[4] The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Ungodly — Their condition is far different.
Chaff — They are restless and unquiet: their seeming felicity, hath no firm foundation, but quickly vanishes and flees away as chaff before the wind.
Verse 5
[5] Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
Not stand — Not endure the trial.
Judgment — In the great and general judgment of the world.
Verse 6
[6] For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Knoweth — He approves, loves, and delights in them, and therefore will recompence them.
Perish — All their designs and courses shall come to nothing, and they shall perish with them.