The Two Paths: A Sermon on Psalm 1:1-6

Good evening! If you have your Bibles with you, please turn with me to the first chapter of the book of Psalms. This should be a familiar passage for many of you, but I believe it is quite relevant to us all given the current cultural and political climate. Beginning in verse one, I will read through end of the psalm.

(Read Passage)

This is the reading of God’s Word. Let’s ask for His help to understand it and apply it to our lives.

(Pray)

Introduction:

I want to begin this evening by asking you a crucial question: On which path are you traveling? Every day, with every decision we make, we are choosing a direction for our lives. This choice between two paths is a theme that runs throughout the Bible, and tonight, we’re going to explore the foundational passage that introduces us to this critical decision: Psalm 1. Over the next three weeks, we’ll look at how Scripture consistently shows us that there are only two ways to live—one that leads to life and flourishing, and the other to ruin and destruction. Today, we’re beginning with Psalm 1, which stands as the gateway to the entire book of Psalms.

Psalm 1 is a short psalm—just six verses—but it’s packed with deep wisdom. It is the introduction to the whole Psalter, and it sets the tone for how we approach worship, life, and our relationship with God. In it, we find a powerful contrast between two ways of life: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. And as we explore this psalm today, I believe God is calling each of us to examine which path we’re walking and to make sure we’re rooted in the path that leads to life.

Sermon Body:

This first psalm opens with a description of the blessed person—the one who is truly happy, fulfilled, and favored by God. But notice that this blessing doesn’t come randomly. It comes from a specific way of living, a way that contrasts sharply with the way of the wicked. The truly happy person is blessed because God pours out His favor on them. Jesus uses the same idea in Matthew 5:3-11, where He describes those who are blessed in what we call the Beatitudes. Here, the psalm speaks of “the man,” a specific, godly person who is lifted up as an example for all of us to follow. This kind of teaching, using a real-life example to show us how to live, is common in the wisdom books of the Old Testament like the Psalms.

Verse 1 shows us what the blessed person does not do: "Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers."

Here, we see a progression from walking, to standing, to sitting. The psalmist is painting us a picture of a person who avoids getting entangled in sinful behavior, which often begins subtly and then grows more entrenched over time.

"Walks not in the counsel of the wicked" – The righteous person doesn’t follow the advice or adopt the mindset of those who reject God. They don’t let their thinking be shaped by the world’s values, but by God’s truth.

"Nor stands in the way of sinners" – They don’t take up the lifestyle of those who are opposed to God’s ways. They refuse to participate in sinful actions or habits.

"Nor sits in the seat of scoffers" – Finally, they don’t sit in the company of those who mock or scorn God. The righteous person rejects the defiant, rebellious attitude of those who openly oppose God.

Think of it like a slippery slope. First, you’re just walking alongside someone who is going the wrong way, listening to their advice. Then, you stop and stand with them, becoming more comfortable with their lifestyle. Finally, you sit down, settling into their way of thinking and living. Psalm 1 warns us not to even start down that path.

Let me ask you then: who or what is influencing your life today? Are you walking in the counsel of the world, or in the wisdom of God’s Word? We live in a world filled with competing voices—voices that try to shape our values, our priorities, and our understanding of truth. We are bombarded by messages on social media, TV, and even from friends and coworkers. But the person who is blessed by God is discerning. They don’t let the world set their agenda. They walk a different path, one shaped by God’s truth.

The "wicked," the "sinners," and the "scoffers" of this first verse represent those who refuse to live according to God’s covenant, even within the people of Israel. The godly person rejects their way of life and refuses to follow in their footsteps.

Some have suggested an increasing level of sin in the progression from “wicked” to “sinner” to “scoffer,” just as there seems to be a progression in the actions of “walking,” “standing,” and “sitting.” While that might be the case, it’s more likely that the terms “wicked” and “sinner” mean the same thing here, while “scoffer” represents someone who is more deeply committed to rejecting God’s ways.

Now that we know what the blessed or righteous person does not do, what does this person do? Verse 2 tells us: "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."

Instead of following the counsel of the wicked, the righteous person delights in the law of the Lord. Now, when we hear “law,” we might immediately think of a list of rules and regulations. But in the Hebrew mindset, the word Torah refers to God’s teaching, instruction, and guidance. It’s not just a set of rules; it’s the story of God’s covenant with His people, His promises, His wisdom, and His path for living a righteous life. It’s important to understand that the blessedness described in this verse is not something a person earns through their own efforts, but a result of God’s grace, which is the foundation of the covenant.

The righteous person delights in this law. They don’t just tolerate it or begrudgingly follow it—they find joy and satisfaction in it. This is not a burdensome obligation but a source of life and blessing. The word “meditates” points to an active, ongoing reflection, almost like talking to oneself in the pursuit of deeper understanding. Like Joshua 1:8 instructs, we are to approach every moment—whether significant or mundane—with the desire to please the Lord by knowing and following His Word. Joshua 1:8 says “this Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Folks, do we delight in God’s Word? Is it our source of joy and wisdom? Or do we see it as a burden, something we have to do out of obligation? If we want to walk the path of the righteous, we must learn to delight in God’s Word. We must meditate on it day and night, allowing it to sink deep into our hearts and guide our actions.

What is the result of this kind of life? Verse 3 gives us a beautiful image: "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 that he does, he prospers."

This is a picture of stability, fruitfulness, and vitality. First, notice that the righteous person is compared to a tree, a symbol of strength, stability, and endurance. Trees, especially those with deep roots, can stand tall and weather all kinds of storms. They don’t move or shift with every wind that blows. In the same way, the person who is rooted in God’s Word is stable and unwavering in their faith. They aren’t easily shaken by the circumstances of life, because their foundation is secure.

But this tree is not just any tree; it is planted by streams of water. The tree’s location by the water ensures that it is constantly nourished. The water represents the sustaining power of God’s Word and His presence in our lives. Just as water is essential for a tree’s growth and fruitfulness, God’s Word is essential for our spiritual growth. The tree doesn’t have to rely on occasional rain showers to survive—it has a constant, life-giving source. Likewise, the righteous don’t depend on external circumstances to thrive. Their nourishment comes from a deeper, continuous source.

The next part of the verse, “its leaf does not wither,” reinforces the idea of enduring vitality. Even in difficult seasons, the righteous person’s leaf remains green and full of life. This speaks to resilience. Just as a tree with a healthy root system can survive drought, the person who is rooted in God’s Word can endure trials, suffering, and challenges without withering spiritually. They remain steadfast because their life source comes from God.

Finally, the psalmist says, “In all that he does, he prospers.” This does not mean that the righteous will never face hardship or failure, but rather that God’s hand is on their life, guiding them toward His purposes. The prosperity described here is not material wealth or worldly success but rather spiritual prosperity—a flourishing, fruitful life in God’s care. It means that God will ensure that His purposes are fulfilled in the lives of the righteous.

As we move into the second half of Psalm 1, we come to a sharp contrast between the righteous and the wicked. If verses 1-3 paint a picture of the ideal, fruitful life of the righteous, verses 4-5 describe the stark and sobering reality of the wicked.

Verse 4 reads: "The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away."

The psalmist begins by saying, “the wicked are not so.” That is to say, the wicked are nothing like the righteous described in the previous verses. They do not have the rootedness, stability, or fruitfulness that comes from delighting in God’s law. Instead, they are compared to chaff—the dry, worthless husk separated from grain during the threshing process.

In ancient Israel, when wheat was harvested, the grain was separated from the husks. The farmers would toss the wheat into the air, and the heavy grain would fall to the ground while the chaff was blown away by the wind. Chaff was of no use—it was discarded and swept away. The psalmist uses this vivid image to show the fragility and instability of the wicked.

This is an important contrast to the righteous, who are compared to a tree with deep roots planted by streams of water. Trees are stable, strong, and life-giving. They endure through seasons, producing fruit at the right time. But chaff is the complete opposite—lightweight, rootless, and easily carried away by the slightest breeze.

The image of chaff highlights the emptiness and impermanence of a life lived apart from God. The wicked may appear to flourish for a time—they may enjoy success, wealth, or influence in this life—but in the end, it is all fleeting. Just as chaff has no weight or value, the life of the wicked has no eternal significance. The psalmist emphasizes that without God, there is no lasting substance to life.

We live in a world where many people build their lives on things that are ultimately like chaff. They pursue wealth, status, or pleasure, thinking these things will bring lasting happiness and fulfillment. But in the end, these pursuits are like chaff—they provide no real security, no true peace, and no eternal value. The psalmist calls us to consider the weight of our lives. Are we living for things that will last, or are we chasing after things that will be blown away like chaff in the wind?

Continuing on in Verse 5, we read: "Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous."

When we encounter the word “therefore” in Scripture, Pastor Isaac has often said something to the effect of “What’s the therefore there for?” In verse five of Psalm 1, it is connecting what follows with the image of chaff being blown away by the wind. Because the wicked are not living according to the standards put forth in the first two verses, they will not be able to stand in the judgment. The phrase “stand in the judgment” refers to the final day when all people will stand before God to give an account of their lives. The wicked—those who have rejected God’s ways and lived for themselves—will have no defense. They will be unable to withstand the scrutiny of God’s holy judgment.

The idea of standing in the judgment implies more than just physical presence. It carries the weight of standing justified before God. The righteous, by God’s grace, will stand before God forgiven and accepted. But the wicked, who have chosen to walk in rebellion against God, will be found guilty. They will not be counted among God’s people; they will be excluded from the “congregation of the righteous.”

This exclusion is a strong reminder that our choices in this life have eternal consequences. While the righteous are welcomed into God’s eternal kingdom, the wicked are cast out, unable to stand before God’s judgment. This is a solemn warning that calls us to examine the path we are walking. Are we living in a way that will enable us to stand before God, or are we walking a path that leads to destruction?

As we come to the final verse of Psalm 1, we see a clear and definitive conclusion to the contrast between the righteous and the wicked.

Verse 6: "For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." This final verse summarizes the entire psalm in one powerful statement: There are two ways in life, and each leads to a very different destination. The way of the righteous leads to life, because the Lord “knows” their way. But the way of the wicked leads to death—it will perish.

Let’s break this down a bit more. First, the psalmist tells us that “the Lord knows the way of the righteous.” The word “knows” here implies more than just awareness. It conveys a deep, personal knowledge and care. God is not just passively watching the lives of the righteous—He is actively involved in their journey. He guides them, protects them, and sustains them. He knows their struggles, their victories, their hearts, and their motivations.

This kind of knowledge is intimate and relational. God knows His people because they belong to Him. He walks with them on the path of righteousness, ensuring that they reach their final destination: eternal life in His presence.

But the second half of the verse offers a sobering contrast: "But the way of the wicked will perish."

This is the ultimate outcome for those who reject God’s ways. While the righteous are known and cared for by God, the wicked are on a path that leads to destruction. The word “perish” here doesn’t just mean physical death—it carries the weight of eternal separation from God. The way of the wicked is a road that ends in ruin, both in this life and in the life to come.

In the broader context of Scripture, this idea of “perishing” is often associated with God’s final judgment. In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus Himself warned about the broad road that leads to destruction, contrasting it with the narrow road that leads to life. The way of the wicked may seem appealing in the short term—it may offer temporary pleasures and worldly success—but in the end, it leads to eternal separation from God. This idea of perishing is not something to be taken lightly. It is a reminder that our choices in this life have eternal consequences. The way of the wicked may look attractive, but it is a road that leads to death.

Psalm 1 invites us to worship God by embracing His Law—His covenant instruction. It calls us to be people who love God’s Word, who trust in it, and who see ourselves as the heirs of its story of redemption and hope. We are called to not only believe the Word but also live out its moral requirements. There is great joy in being counted among the "righteous"—nothing compares to that kind of blessedness. And through its powerful contrast, Psalm 1 reminds us that in the end, there are really only two ways to live. We must choose wisely.

So, which path will we take? The psalmist presents two very different ways of living, each with its own distinct destination. The way of the righteous is a path of life, stability, and blessing. It is marked by delighting in God’s Word, being rooted in His truth, and bearing fruit that lasts. The way of the wicked, however, is a path of destruction. It is like chaff—empty, weightless, and easily blown away. It leads to judgment and ultimately perishes.

The good news is that through Jesus Christ, we can walk the path of the righteous. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He is the one who makes it possible for us to walk in righteousness, and through Him, we can have eternal life.

So today, I urge you to examine your life. What path are you on? Are you walking the way of the righteous, delighting in God’s Word and bearing fruit? Or are you following the path of the wicked, living for yourself and heading toward destruction?

God offers us the opportunity to turn from the way of destruction and to walk the path of life. Through Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven, made righteous, and welcomed into the congregation of the righteous. If you find yourself on the wrong path today, know that it is not too late to turn around. God’s grace is available to you, and He invites you to walk in His ways. As we close in prayer, let’s ask God to give us the grace to walk in His ways, to delight in His Word, and to bear fruit in the world.

Let’s pray.

(Close in prayer)