The first Psalm is an interesting way for the book to open. There are only six verses. However, the meaning of those verses is as relevant today, as when they were written. When this Psalm was written, God's word was little more than the Books of Moses. The message is as powerful as anything you will find in scripture.This Psalm provides a message we all need to hear. This Psalm dramatically divides the lifestyle of the godly and the ungodly. A thoughtful look may challenge your view on what it means to be godly.

^{THE FIRST PSALM KING JAMES VERSION}

“1. BLESSED IS THE MAN THAT WALKETH NOT IN THE COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY, NOR STANDETH IN THE WAY OF SINNERS, NOR SITTETH IN THE SEAT OF THE SCORNFUL.

2. BUT HIS DELIGHT IS IN THE LAW OF THE LORD; AND IN HIS LAW DOTH HE MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT.

3. AND HE SHALL BE LIKE A TREE PLANTED BY THE RIVERS OF WATER, THAT BRINGETH FORTH HIS FRUIT IN HIS SEASON; HIS LEAF ALSO SHALL NOT WITHER; AND WHATSOEVER HE DOETH SHALL PROSPER.

4. THE UNGODLY ARE NOT SO: BUT ARE LIKE THE CHAFF WHICH THE WIND DRIVETH AWAY.

5. THEREFORE THE UNGODLY SHALL NOT STAND IN THE JUDGMENT, NOR SINNERS IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS.

6. FOR THE LORD KNOWETH THE WAY OF THE RIGHTEOUS: BUT THE WAY OF THE UNGODLY SHALL PERISH.”

THE FIRST PATH NO GOD NEEDED

The fourth and fifth verse describe the result of the path of the ungodly. I think if you take the use of the word ungodly in this chapter it is about your average everyday unsaved person. These verses are directed at the unsaved that you see everyday. They would tell you they have lived a pretty good life. God has a different view of that life. Chaff grows and matures. However, at harvest time it is of no value. Just as the works of the ungodly will have no value in the judgment. People spend their lives in a rush and when it is all over the only thing that matters is gods viewpoint. Verse five points out that the ungodly will have no defense in the judgment. It also says they will not stand with the righteous in heaven. What a sobering thought. Salvation through Christ is the only way to heaven.

THE SECOND PATH GODLY AND RIGHTEOUS

Verses two and three stand in sharp contrast to four and five. The godly love God's word. They study and meditate on it. They follow the law. Verse three paints a wonderful picture of the successful christian life. You are a planted tree. Not a wild random tree. A tree that was selected and placed in a specific place. It will bring forth fruit and not wither. Your works will prosper. That is such a spectacular picture of godly living. It is not a picture of worldly success but success Gods way.

THE THRID PATH A LITTLE GOD A LITTLE WORLD

Verse one speaks of three types of people the godly man avoids. They will lead you down a path that will take you away from Gods will. You won't lose your salvation but your life will not be a successful christian life. I think every honest christian will admit to having been on this path at least once in their life.

Step One Who Do You Trust

Who do you turn to when you need guidance? God warns against getting your counsel from the ungodly. Study the word and pray. Talk to godly people. Take the advice of the ungodly and compare it to biblical wisdom. Gods way is always the wisest. Why would you take this first step down the wrong path? Don't take advice from those in spiritual darkness. I think of all the financial scams around today. I wonder how many Christians jump right in without any prayer.

Step Two Godly Friends Don't Matter

The second step down the wrong path involves relationships. God warns against ungodly entanglements. This doesn't mean you go running the other direction when an unsaved person speaks to you. It means choose who you spend your free time with wisely. I worked for a large national company. Their corporate culture was very party oriented. There was lots of drinking and that led to other bad activities. My boss told me one day that if i was going to work there I had to start drinking. I gave in and agreed to go out with several of the employees after work. I set and held a drink and was miserable. My boss insisted that I drink it. I continued going out with them. It got to the point we were going out three or four times a week. I say coworkers doing many inappropriate things. I was miserable the whole time but I kept going because I felt I had to. That was a part of my life i wish I could change but i can't. I learned a valuable lesson. This step seems so harmless but it can have serious consequences.

Step Three Follow Me

If you get to this step it is not enough that you have gone astray. You will bring others with you. Your tolerance for sin will be high. It will be common for you to seek out sin and sinful places. It will become habit and you will lead others astray. You will also be around people that mock Christians and God. You may even laugh at some of their comments. Once you reach this stage it is difficult to get back on track.

SUMMARY

What is your passion in life? Do you delight in the law of God? Think about these two questions. God should come first in our lives. I think most Christians know this. I also think most Christians would say that God comes first in their lives. I wonder what God would say. The Christian life is not easy. It is easy to get off track. I once heard a pastor say "the Christian is a marathon and not a sprint." The longer I live the more true that becomes.