Psalm 1:6 “For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, But the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
Psalm 1 concludes with verse 6 telling the opposite final destinations of the two life travelers of Psalm 1. This beginning Psalm is not just first in position but is the foundational Psalm for the entire book and a person’s life. We are introduced to two opposites in who or what influences them in verses 1 and 2. The first person is influenced by the wicked to live a wicked, ungodly, unrighteous life. Verse 1 says, “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. This person is on a downward path where they move from being prompted to sin to practicing sin to promoting sin. He will be known throughout the Psalm as the ungodly.
On the hand is a man who is going to be influenced by the Word of God. Verse 2 says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.” This decision allows this man to learn what is right and what is wrong. Because he is making decisions according to the Word of God verse 3 tells he shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” He not only is fruitful, but he is also flourishing.
Having told of the bountiful blessings that come to the righteous man we read in verse 4 of the utter useless life of the ungodly as he is described a chaff. Chaff is the covering for a grain as it develops but when the grain is harvested it is blown away. Verse 4 says, “The ungodly are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.”
Coming to verse 6 the Psalm tells that God knows the way of the righteous which means he knows his life decisions and final destination. The righteous man is on the narrow path that leads to life. On the other hand, the ungodly will perish.
Perish. Let that word sting. Perish. It is the horrible conclusion to a terrible life. Perish. To be sent to outer darkness. To be in hell. Perish.
But it does not have to end this way. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish (SHOULD NOT PERISH) but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). Make no mistake there is good news for bad people!
Continue Strong living the righteous life,
And Remember to Date the Word