1:1 Blessed [is] the man that walketh not in the a counsel of
the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth
in the seat of the scornful.
The Argument - This book of psalms is given to us by the Holy
Spirit, to be esteemed as a precious treasure in which all
things are contained that bring to true happiness in this
present life as well as in the life to come. For the riches
of true knowledge and heavenly wisdom, are here set open for
us, to take of it most abundantly. If we would know the
great and high majesty of God, here we may see the
brightness of it shine clearly. If we would seek his
incomprehensible wisdom, here is the school of the same
profession. If we would comprehend his inestimable bounty,
and approach near to it, and fill our hands with that
treasure, here we may have a most lively and comfortable
taste of it. If we would know where our salvation lies and
how to attain to everlasting life, here is Christ our
Redeemer, and Mediator most evidently described. The rich
man may learn the true use of his riches. The poor man may
find full contentment. He who will rejoice will know true
joy, and how to keep measure in it. They who are afflicted
and oppressed will see what their comfort exists in, and how
they should praise God when he sends them deliverance. The
wicked and the persecutors of the children of God will see
how the hand of God is always against them: and though he
permits them to prosper for a while, yet he bridles them, so
much so that they cannot touch a hair of ones head unless he
permits them, and how in the end their destruction is most
miserable. Briefly here we have most present remedies
against all temptations and troubles of mind and conscience,
so that being well practised in this, we may be assured
against all dangers in this life, live in the true fear and
love of God, and at length attain the incorruptible crown of
glory, which is laid up for all who love the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
(a) When a man has once given place to evil counsel, or to
his own sin nature, he begins to forget himself in his
sin, and so falls into contempt of God, which is called
the seat of the scorners.
1:2 But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his b
law doth he meditate day and night.
(b) In the holy scriptures.
1:3 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 c whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
(c) God's children are so moistened with his grace, that
whatever comes to them, tends to their salvation.
1:4d The ungodly [are] not so: but [are] like the chaff which
the wind driveth away.
(d) Though the wicked seem to prosper in this world, yet the
Lord drives them down that they shall not rise nor stand
in the company of the righteous.
1:5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the e judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
(e) But tremble when they see God's wrath.
1:6 For the LORD f knoweth the way of the righteous: but the
way of the ungodly shall perish.
(f) Approves and prospers, in the same way that to not know
is to reprove and reject.
