Psalm 1

Psalm 1 is the perfect introduction to the remainder of the book of Psalms (also called the Psalter). It is an expression of the difference between the “righteous” and the “wicked.” Psalm 1 offers a sharp contrast between those who seek God and those who ignore him. The remainder of the Psalter reiterates this contrast. Thus, Ps 1 functions like a preface by giving a reference point for the rest of the book. The main idea in Ps 1 is “instruction” (Hebrew – torah). It describes one who is open to the instruction of the Lord.

“Blessed” (1:1) describes the individual who is content to walk with God rather than with the wicked. He/she delights in the “instruction” (torah) of the Lord (1:2). Given their openness to be instructed by God, those who are righteous are then “fruitful” (1:3). The righteous are like trees planted by streams of water which have a place to be grounded, to take root, to be nourished, and to grow.

But the “wicked” are not so (1:4). The wicked have no such foundation. They arrogantly believe that they can sustain themselves. But they are like “chaff,” the waste product that is blown away by the wind after the fruitful wheat has been harvested. The righteous are fruitful but the wicked are fruitless. Not only is the contrast made between the fruitful righteous and the fruitless wicked, but also between the contentment of the righteous and the misery of the wicked. The wicked are not “blessed.” Because they reject the instruction of the Lord they exist in a constant state of discontent and frustration.

John Calvin described the righteous in Ps 1 as those who have a “teachable spirit.” In a very real sense a “teachable spirit” is what Ps 1 means by being “blessed” and “righteous” – open to God’s instruction and willing to grow toward the full measure of the stature of Christ.

May we all delight in the instruction of the Lord as we strive to become reflections of Jesus Christ. May we all have teachable spirits.