Psalm 1 Meaning Verse By Verse

Last Updated on September 22, 2021 by Pastor Ikechukwu Chinedum

Today we shall be looking at the book of Psalm 1, meaning verse by verse. This is a Wisdom Psalm by David. The first psalm of David is categorized as a “wisdom” psalm. Similar to the book of Proverbs, these psalms focus on the value of wisdom and living a wise, Godly life as opposed to an ungodly life. Psalm 1 gives a clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked. Wisdom literature in the Bible divides humankind into these two absolute categories and does not recognize a third. Another theme in this wisdom psalms concerns the present fortunes and the ultimate destinies of human beings. The first and last words of Psalm 1 give us these alternatives. Blessed is the righteous person who delights in God’s law; the ungodly, on the other hand, will perish. We can see the process of “blessing” and “cursing” already in this life

The chapter begins with “Blessed is the man”. This first Psalm stands as a kind of introduction to the rest of the Psalms. The ideas and information are very general and basic, but it touches on two subjects that continually occur throughout the Psalms. It declares the blessing and the curse, that we may take the right way which leads to joy and avoid that which will certainly end in our misery and ruin.

Man’s spiritual life is set forth negatively and positively, inwardly and externally, figuratively and literally. Above all else, it summarizes all that is to follow in the rest of the Psalms, and for that matter the structure of this psalm, it doesn’t follow a lament or praise pattern. Its pattern is pretty unique, actually. Its structure is based on several contrasts between the godly and the wicked. As we explore these books of psalm 1, its meaning verse by verse today, I pray that your eyes shall be opened to see the wisdom in following the path of righteousness in Jesus Christ name Amen.

     Meaning of Psalm 1 verse by verse

Verse 1 BLESSED IS THE MAN WHO WALKS NOT IN THE COUNSEL OF THE WICKED NOR STAND IN THE WAY OF SINNERS.

This is a preface or introduction to the whole book of the psalmist and it describes a Blessed man, also be referred to as “happy man” and the wicked.

The blessed man, his condition is happy or a desirable one, we are told what he does not do. He has no interest in surrounding himself with the likes of an ungodly person, scoffers

The wicked man,  are those who seek independence from God, those who have only a human or earthly perspective on life.

Verse 2 BUT HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW OF THE LORD, AND ON HIS LAW HE MEDITATES DAY AND NIGHT

The second verse of Psalm 1 explains how the blessed man finds pleasure and happiness, instead of finding them in the society and gathering of the wicked he finds it in the truth and law of God, he endeavors to understand its meaning; he has pleasure in reflecting on it,  dwell and get more acquainted with it so as to have its truths impressed more on his heart.

Verse 3 HE IS LIKE A TREE PLANTED BY STREAMS OF WATER, THAT YIELDS ITS FRUIT IN ITS SEASON, AND ITS LEAF DOES NOT WITHER IN ALL HE DOES, HE PROSPERS

The third verse is talking about the will of God concerning the blessed man, we Notice that the tree is planted, It did not plant itself. It surrendered itself wholly and utterly and by doing so it was set out in a favorable place which yielded good fruits. Those who do the will of God is sure to produce the fruits of righteousness. In all, he does he will prosper because Its blessedness does not depend upon its kind

 Verse 4  THE WICKED ARE NOT SO BUT ARE LIKE CHAFF WHICH THE WIND DRIVES AWAY.

The fourth verse is comparing the wicked to d outer covering of the seed of grain which has no value and is controlled by the wind scatters away from the face of the earth, they do not love the Lord, or delight in communion with Him, or desire to be like Him. there is nothing positive in their ways and they are not of God.

 Verse 5 THEREFORE THE WICKED WILL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGEMENT, NOR SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.

Verse 5 further explains the judgment that befalls d wicked  When they come to be judged, they shall be condemned. They shall have nothing to plead on their behalf and cannot withstand the judgment, a test of time and will have no place in the congregations of the people of God and will be separated from the assembly whose names are written in the book of life.

Verse 6  FOR THE LORD KNOWS THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS, BUT THE WAY OF THE WICKED WILL PERISH

The last verse of Psalm 1 portrays how the Lord fully understands the character of those who are his friend and can identify between them and all others, the way or manner in which the ungodly life shall tend to ruin. And in the day of judgment, they shall be condemned to everlasting fire and punishment. The wicked shall perish at the presence of the Lord

WHEN DO I NEED TO USE THIS PSALM 1?

Having established the meaning of this psalm, it is important to know when to use it. Here a few times where the psalm can serve a purpose for you:

1. When you feel you are being deprived of the blessing of God
2. When you feel lost
3. It is a Psalm for rebuking the counsel of the ungodly working against your advancement
4. When you feel you are not fruitful and productive in some areas
5. It is a Psalm for driving away every traces of ungodliness and the operations of the ungodly around your life.

PSALM 1 PRAYERS:

If you are in any of the situations listed above or more, then these powerful psalms 1 prayers are for you:

1. Lord Heavenly Father, I open my heart wide to receive your blessing upon my life and as I receive all my supplies, affairs are healed.
2. Lord Jesus let my My spiritual life become fruitful, resultful and productive in the name of Jesus.
3. Lord Jesus delete every traces of ungodliness in me and give the grace to operate in the light of your word.
4. Lord Jesus help me to know the way of righteousness so as not to perish.

5). Oh Lord, by the power of your holy spirit, enable me to live a holy life so I can represent Christ on earth in Jesus name.

6). Oh Lord, help me walk with you in holiness so that I will fulfill my destiny and the purpose of my existence in Jesus name.

7). Oh Lord of righteousness, in this world that is full of violence, selfishness, murder and other evil deeds, teach me the path of holiness, and engrave me to live like Christ in words, thoughts and deeds in Jesus name.

8). Oh Lord, teach me your word and make it easy to apply it to my life so that I will see goodness all the days of my life in Jesus name.

9). Oh Lord, give me the spirit of humility so that I will be able to walk with you in holiness Jesus name.

10). Oh Lord, engrace me to keep your commandments take iniquity far away from me in Jesus
name.