The Blessedness of the Righteous

INTRODUCTION

Psalm one stands as a kind of introduction to the rest of the Psalms. Its subject matter touches on two themes: the blessedness of the righteous and the doom of the ungodly. In this lesson, we shall see an exposition on Psalm 1:1–3, which deals with the character of the righteous and the conditions for divine blessings.

OUTLINE

1. The Character Of The Righteous

2. The Condition For Divine Blessings And Its Results

THE CHARACTER OF THE RIGHTEOUS

The Psalmist begins with the character of a godly man in verse one: “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.”

To be blessed means to be highly favoured by divine grace and to enjoy the bliss of heaven. Firstly, the ‘man’ receives the blessings of God because he does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. The counsel of the ungodly are advice and plans that do not conform to God’s word (1 Kings 12:9–14; Matthew 13:3–5).

Secondly, the ‘man’ does not stand in the ways of sinners (Proverbs 1:11–15; 4:14–17). That is, he does not compromise, or submit to the position of sinners (Daniel 3:16–18). Therefore, the ‘man’ (a believer in Christ) who will enjoy the blessings of God must be firm in his faith and flee from every appearance of evil (2 Timothy 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Thirdly, the man does not sit in the seat of the scornful. The scornful are those who mock the heavens or anything that represents God. They openly defy all that is sacred, and make a jest of sin (Exodus 5:2; 2 Chronicles 32:10–15).

Scorners are un-teachable because they refuse to listen (Proverbs 9:8a; 15:12). Therefore, the man that will be blessed does not mingle with these people.

Psalm 1:1 therefore implies that sin is progressive, i.e. one evil act leads to another. He who acts by bad counsel may soon do evil deeds, and he who gives himself to evil doings may end up in apostasy (James 1:14–15).

THE CONDITION FOR DIVINE BLESSINGS AND ITS RESULTS

The condition for being blessed is stated in Psalm 1:2, and it means the man’s will, desire, affection, motives, and every principle in his soul are on the side of God and His truth. He takes up the law of the Lord (God’s word) as the rule of his life (Psalm 119:1, 97; James 1:25).

To meditate on God’s word is to discourse with oneself concerning the great things contained in it, with a close application of mind. This must continue until the word becomes a reality in his life (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:11).

The result of the fulfilment of the condition for being blessed is found in Psalm 1:3. A man planted by the rivers of water is likened to a man who has a regular supply of nourishment and refreshments. He experiences irreversible fruitfulness and will not suffer loss of any kind (Jeremiah 17:7–8). He will be healthy all-round, prosperous and enjoy the fruit of his labour (Psalm 92:12–14).

CONCLUSION

To remain blessed; abstain from every appearance of evil and live by the word of God.

QUESTIONS

1. Mention the characteristics of the righteous.

2. What should believers do to enjoy divine blessings?

FURTHER READINGS

SUN: 1 Kings 12:9–14

MON: 2 Thessalonians 3:6

TUE: 2 Corinthians 6:14–15

WED: Galatians 5:1

THUR: Nehemiah 2:19

FRI: Proverbs 13:1

SAT: Proverbs 4:20–22

ASSIGNMENT

Identify five (5) people the Bible calls “righteous” with one scriptural reference each to support your answer.

(2 × 5 = 10 marks).