5 Powerful Things the First Psalm Say about a Righteous Life
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Psalm 1 may only be six verses long, but the truth it conveys is powerful and inspiring. It draws readers into the reality of God’s kingdom versus evilness. Psalm 1 highlights the matter of the heart that God so deeply cares about in each of us — will we foster hearts of righteousness or wickedness? The last verse in this Psalm summarizes it this way.
“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction” (Psalm 1:6).
The two paths — the righteous life or wicked life — will result in completely different outcomes and experiences. God shares the truth of both and gives each person the choice to come to Him or indulge the ways of the evil one. We know that God desires we choose a righteous life rather than following sin and temptation. Here are five things Psalm 1 says about the righteous life God wants us to live.
What Is Psalm 1 about?
Psalm 1 is about living a righteous life. The word righteous means virtuous or morally right. In the Bible, the concept of righteousness is deeply connected to one’s faith in God. Righteousness comes from God alone. Elsewhere in the Psalms, we find this truth about being righteous.
“Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes. They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor” (Psalm 112:6-9).
A righteous life is one marked by confidence in the Lord, an honorable legacy, not giving in to fear but rather keeping one’s trust in God, and being generous to those in need. In Psalm 1, the righteous life and the wicked life are placed in stark contrast of one another. A righteous person will be blessed and delight in God’s law (Psalm 1:1). The unrighteous ones will be knocked down and led to destruction and death (Psalm 1:6).
Psalm 1 presents a sobering outlook of the choice we must make to follow God or not. Will we walk the path of righteousness or wickedness?
Why Is It Significant That This Is the First Psalm?
Psalm 1 is the first in the collection of 150 psalms written by various authors over the course of hundreds and hundreds of years. The psalms are a compilation of songs, writings, and prayers that flow from the journey of faith. In them are songs of worship and prayers of all kinds. We find in the psalms victory, fear, death, joy, hope, waiting, anticipation, the hope of a Messiah, and so much more! Psalm 1 is intentional and sets the tone for the entire book of psalms.
It is significant that this is the first Psalm because it tells of the blessing of a life lived for God and the destruction and uncertainty (worry, fear, doubt, anxiety) that comes with living wickedly and apart from God. Truly, the rest of the psalms make better sense in light of what this psalm teaches. It is through this lens that we can understand the ups and downs the psalmists write about and experience. Their faith in God, through everything they faced, becomes believable because these writers know that apart from God, they will only experience destruction and death. Yet if they endure, they will experience the blessing of following God and living a righteous life.
5 Things Psalm 1 Says about a Righteous Life
Reading through Psalm 1 will give an important look into what a righteous life is all about. This psalm explains some of the differences between a righteous life and a wicked life. Here are five things Psalm 1 teaches about a righteous life.
1. A Righteous Life Is Blessed
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked” (Psalm 1:1a).
A righteous life is a blessed life. The Hebrew word for blessed in this verse is eshar. It means blessed, happy, or to go or be straight. When we live a life like Christ – a righteous life – we will experience God’s blessings and goodness, we will feel joy and happiness despite our circumstances, and we will be walking the straight path that God has for us.
2. A Righteous Life Avoids Sin and Wickedness
“Who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers” (Psalm 1:1b).
A righteous life is one that avoids wicked and sinful ways. We live in a time where people mock God, delight in evil, and indulge any desire they have. Yet God’s word remains clear on the matter of sin — it is wrong, it is evil, and it leads us to death. We must confront our sin and repent if we will live a righteous life. In doing so, we will experience the abundance that God has for us (Psalm 1:3).
3. A Righteous Life Is in Sync with God’s Law
“Whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night” (Psalm 1:2).
A righteous person will delight in God’s law — learning it, meditating on it, and following it. We cannot do this in our own power, but God will give us the strength to follow His ways when we have a genuine desire to do His good rather than evil. Sin and temptation are real, and we have an enemy who is out to destroy God’s people, but when we love God’s word and let it guide our thoughts, word, and actions, we will walk in His righteous ways. This Psalm takes seriously that we cannot compromise the word of God.
4. A Righteous Life Is Fruitful and Prosperous
“That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers” (Psalm 1:3).
A righteous life will be productive and flourishing — what a beautiful promise for those who follow the Lord. Life will surely be full of many troubles and trials (see John 16:33), but when we live how God wants us to live, we will reap goodness and abundance. When we are in line with God’s plans, we will see His hand of blessing on what we do rather than the pain of living for ourselves and reaping only the fruit of pride, selfishness, and compromise.
5. A Righteous Life Is Secure in God
“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous” (Psalm 1:6).
What comfort knowing that God is watching over those who live a righteous life. God sees us and what we are going through. He keeps us safe, even when we face seemingly insurmountable situations or go through devastating situations. God is watching over us and will lead us in the right way when we cling to Him and keep our trust in Him. What compassion God has for us, and what perfect love He has for His children, that He watches over those who follow Him.
A Prayer for God to Guide You to Righteousness
Heavenly Father,
You are so good and faithful. You are perfect in all your ways. I praise you and thank you that you call me to righteousness. Lord, I choose the righteous life and ask for your help each day. I want to experience blessing and bear fruit in your name. I want to live for you rather than myself. I want to follow your laws and delight in them, not give into sin and temptations. Help me to be like a tree planted by the streams of water which will be prosperous. Lord, show me how I need to turn from sin and turn toward you instead. Lead me in the ways that I should go and help me to live as Jesus lived.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen!
Psalm 1 shows a beautiful picture of what it means to live a righteous life. God’s word lovingly draws us to righteousness and warns us against sin and wicked ways. We can choose to follow God and experience goodness and abundance in this life. God will show us the way when we ask for His help and turn our hearts to Him. Each day, the choices we make will either place us on the path of righteousness or will lead us further from God. Scripture makes it clear that God loves us and wants us to follow Him. A righteous life is God’s desire and design for His beloved children.
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Marinela Malcheva
