Psalm 1
1Blessed is the one
who
does not walk in step with the wicked
or
stand in the way that sinners take
or
sit in the company of mockers,
2but whose delight is in the law
of the Lord,
and
who meditates on his law day and night.
3That 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.
4Not so the wicked!
They
are like chaff
that
the wind blows away.
5Therefore the wicked will not
stand in the judgment,
nor
sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but
the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
*******
Meditation
He who collected the Psalms into one volume, whether Ezra or some
other person, appears to have placed this Psalm at the beginning, by way of
preface, in which he inculcates upon all the godly the duty of meditating upon
the law of God. The sum and substance of the whole is, that they are blessed
who apply their hearts to the pursuit of heavenly wisdom; whereas the profane
despisers of God, although for a time they may reckon themselves happy, shall
at length have a most miserable end.
This book of psalms is given to us by the Holy Spirit, to
be esteemed as a precious treasure in which all things are contained that bring
to true happiness in this present life as well as in the life to come. For the
riches of true knowledge and heavenly wisdom, are here set open for us, to take
of it most abundantly.
If we would know the great and high majesty of God, here
we may see the brightness of it shine clearly. If we would seek His
incomprehensible wisdom, here is the school of the same profession. If we would
comprehend his inestimable bounty, and approach near to it, and fill our hands
with that treasure, here we may have a most lively and comfortable taste of it.
If we would know where our salvation lies and how to attain to everlasting
life, here is Christ our Redeemer, and Mediator most evidently described. The
rich man may learn the true use of his riches. The poor man may find full
contentment. He who will rejoice will know true joy, and how to keep measure in
it. They who are afflicted and oppressed will see what their comfort exists in,
and how they should praise God when He sends them deliverance.
The wicked and the persecutors of the children of God
will see how the hand of God is always against them: and though He permits them
to prosper for a while, yet He bridles them, so much so that they cannot touch
a hair of one’s head unless He permits them, and how in the end their
destruction is most miserable.
Briefly here we have most present remedies against all
temptations and troubles of mind and conscience, so that being well practiced
in this, we may be assured against all dangers in this life, live in the true
fear and love of God, and at length attain the incorruptible crown of glory,
which is laid up for all who love the Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
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