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; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 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 (Psalm 1:1-3 ESV)
This promise is directed to one who delights in the law of the Lord (1:2). God’s promises are built on a covenant relationship. The truth of God’s word is available to everyone – giving each person the chance to become a child of God. His promises are for those who love Him.
The promise is blessing and prosperity. Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers (Psalm 1:1 NIV). Wicked, scornful people are not uninformed men who have never heard of the goodness of God and His offer of grace. They have chosen to be ungodly. God knows that keeping company with such people can lead to no good.
This promise is very timely. In 2020, we observed what began as “peaceful protests” turn into riots, looting and destruction of businesses. One man who stole merchandise during a riot returned them to the business owner the next day. He never would have been in that situation had he not kept the company of those who initiated the looting. Perhaps he was ignorantly involved to begin with, but once their intentions were known, he could have left their company. He did not. So rare was this incident that when I searched for it online in 2021, I only found this single story. The repentant thief learned the hard way what keeping company with the ungodly can lead to.
The person who delights in keeping company with God will prosper (Psalm 1:3). We often associate prosperity with material goods, but God describes a prosperous person as one who is fruitful. God allows us the stewardship of His goods to have and to share with others, but the ultimate blessing is that our lives have purpose and meaning. That is something that cannot be taken away, but will last for eternity.
The Psalm 1 man prefers companionship with God. Moses, “a friend of God”, said to Him, “Let me know Your ways that I may know You” (Exodus 33:13). This is the promise – that the Lord watches over the way of the righteous (Psalm 1:6 NIV). Friends spend time with each other.
God promises to watch over you. The result is being fruitful – carrying out His purpose for you. There is no greater blessing than being a man who delights in the Lord’s company.
One Focus Ministries 