Psalm 1:1-2 Explained

"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. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." — Psalm 1:1-2 (KJV)

Psalm 1 is the gateway to the entire Psalter — a portrait of two ways to live, opening the whole book with a choice.

Read it in context: Psalm 1 · The Book of Psalms.

Psalm 1:1-2 in context

What does Psalm 1:1-2 mean?

Note the downward progression of the wrong way: 'walketh... standeth... sitteth' — and 'counsel... way... seat' — the slow slide from listening to settling in. The blessed person's life is built instead on delight in and meditation on God's law 'day and night.' Blessing flows from what fills the mind.

What is the context of Psalm 1:1-2?

Psalm 1 was deliberately placed first as an introduction to the 150 psalms. It frames the Psalter as wisdom for living: there are two paths, and the rest of the book teaches you to walk the blessed one.

How do I pray Psalm 1:1-2?

Pray this as a daily examination: whose counsel am I walking in? Where have I sat down with the scornful? Then turn to delight: bring one verse to mind and meditate on it through the day.

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