Psalm 1:1-6 (ESV)

The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked

1 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;

2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,

    and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 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.

4 The wicked are not so,

    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,

    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

    but the way of the wicked will perish.

Study and Reflection Questions:

In Keller’s book, Prayer, chapter 10 notes that The Psalms are the prayer book of the Bible. Interestingly, the first Psalm is not actually a prayer but rather a meditation. Keller suggests that this is no accident, because before we talk to God in prayer we must first listen to God by meditation on Scripture (His Word). So, Psalm 1 could be regarded as the gateway to prayer through meditation on God’s Word.  

In Psalm 1 where do we observe that this passage is primarily speaking to meditation on Scripture as opposed to prayer?  

Keller points us to three things that Psalm 1 promises the reader regarding meditation. The first is that meditation on God’s Word will provide stability. In what verses does this passage speak to stability and strength? (See Keller, pg. 146) According to verses 1 and 2, what does dedicated meditation on Scripture guard against?

The second promise of Psalm 1 is that meditation on God’s Word will develop substance of character. Psalm 1 compares a tree to chaff. Read vv. 3—4. In this passage who is the tree and who is the chaff? What are some differences between a fruit bearing tree and chaff? (See Keller, pg. 147)

The third promise of Psalm 1 is that meditation will bring blessedness. Where throughout the passage do you observe indications of this promise? (See Keller, pg. 148) According to your observations in this Psalm in what ways does blessedness manifest itself? What does this Psalm contrast blessedness with?

Take a moment to ponder how the three areas of stability, substance of character, and blessedness have been evidenced in your life as your understanding and reading of the Bible has grown during your Christian walk. Conversely, you may ponder how these three areas have suffered during “dry spells” of not meditating on Scripture during your Christian walk. Share thoughts with your group.