When you get a new Bible as a gift, many times it is signed by the giver. Often, they might cite or quote a passage they think is important or helpful. This happened for me, and the passage that was referenced is one that I have gone back to over and over again in my life. No matter my age or situation, it has been a constant help and reminder.
“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers” (Psa. 1:1)! This verse was written with great exclamation. Literally it is, “O the happiness of the one that…” It is not just a pious statement of depriving oneself of corrupt company but a statement of the happiness that comes when they are avoided.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night” (Psa. 1:2). Joy or delight is found not in corrupt company and any their exploits but in the word of the Lord—the delight of a life lived in close connection with God’s guidance.
“He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers” (Psa. 1:3). Then, we are reminded of the results of that kind of life. Be careful that we read this in the right context. This is not a health and wealth gospel. If we are living our life in step with the Lord, bad things will still happen and not everything will go our way. Look at the life of Paul, for example. However, the prosperity that we seek needs to be seen in the context of the spiritual reward that we seek.
“The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, Nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish” (Psa. 1:4-6). Lastly, we are reminded that the results of not following after God are the opposite of the righteous life. The fact that judgment is mentioned and not simply stating what they do won’t prosper means that the spiritual realm is what is in focus and not wealth and prosperity that many might emphasize. The unrighteous will not be numbered among God’s special treasure. This is yet another reminder that there is not a third gray area with God. You are either His righteous one or a sinner and alienated from His promises of future glory.
This has been a great passage to help keep my focus and priorities right. Not all that shimmers is gold. We get to live the best life walking with God. I challenge you to find your touchstone passage that is memorized and on quick recall.