Everyone in the world has a choice to make. We all have a choice to live either a life of righteousness or a life a wickedness. We are not genetically engineered to follow one or the other, we are not predestined to follow one or the other. We have a choice. As a whole, the book of Psalms compares these two ways of living and urges us to choose the path of righteousness. The first psalm sets the tone of the book by beginning this comparison. It urges us to consider the impact of this choice upon our lives by showing which path results in blessings and which does not.
We will not be blessed if we let wicked influences into our lives. Psalm 1:1 seems to describe a progression of involvement with sin and its influences. Walking is not very involved, standing more so, and sitting is right in among them. The righteous man, though, is not going to receive his instruction from wicked men. Instead, he seeks to separate himself from those who act wickedly and advises others to do likewise. He understands the principle of 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals.’” We naturally and unwittingly conform ourselves to those around us. If a person is constantly around bad company they will shape his attitudes and thoughts. What shapes a person’s thinking, shapes the person’s life. When a person’s life is shaped by wickedness, they become dry and worthless like chaff blown away by the wind (Psalm 1:4). A life shaped by sin ultimately proves empty and unfulfilling—void of the rooted joy that comes from walking in God’s ways.
We will be blessed if we let God’s word influence our lives. Psalm 1:2 describes a man who delights in God’s Word and its study. What really makes him happy is finding out what the Lord has to say. He is not one who lets God’s Word come in one ear and out the other. Instead, he meditates on it. He takes the time to reflect upon God’s word and think about it and how he can apply it to his life. The psalmist describes the value of such a life by comparing the righteous man to a tree (Psalm 1:3). He is firmly planted with a stable, healthy root system. He dwells by streams of water receiving the nourishment to make him strong. He bears fruit in his life and his leaf does not wither. The righteous man’s spiritual life is constant. He is not alive one day and dead the next. Those who set their minds to walk the paths of righteousness will have a consistent spiritual life. Those who choose the path of righteousness choose the path of true happiness. The righteous man has a purpose for his life that gives him direction: to do God’s will.
Regardless of the blessings in life, the end is what is really important. The wicked will not be able to stand in the judgment (Psalm 1:5). Any course that leaves God out is a doomed course. They will have no adequate defense to explain their lifestyle. No one will be able to find a loop hole into heaven. The wicked and the righteous will not end up in the same place. Psalm 1:6 declares only the ways of the righteous are acceptable to God. Are your ways acceptable to Him?
Personal Study Guide:
Reflection Questions:
- Evaluate Influences: What are the primary influences shaping your thoughts and decisions? Are they helping or hindering your spiritual growth?
- Assess Your Delight: How deeply do you delight in God’s Word? Identify obstacles that prevent you from finding true joy in Scripture.
- Examine Your Fruitfulness: In what ways is your life producing spiritual fruit? How could you increase your fruitfulness?
Personal Action Steps:
- Commit to daily meditation on Psalm 1 this week. Write down insights or encouragement you gain from each reading.
- Identify at least one influence in your life that should be limited or removed, and make a plan to address it.
Prayer Points:
- Ask God to increase your love and delight for His Word.
- Seek God’s guidance in making wise decisions about your relationships and influences.
- Pray for greater spiritual fruitfulness in your daily life.
Study Guide for Couples
Reflect Together:
- Discuss Influences: Share honestly about the primary influences shaping your decisions. Are there negative influences you should minimize or eliminate?
- Evaluate Delights: What currently gives you joy? How can you help each other delight more deeply in God’s Word?
Pray Together:
- Pray for wisdom to discern and avoid harmful influences.
- Ask God to increase your hunger and delight in His Word.
Action Step:
- Choose one practical way this week to deepen your meditation on God’s Word together (e.g., reading a Psalm each night before bed).
Study Guide for Family Devotion
Read Psalm 1 Together
Discussion Questions:
- Who are some people or things that influence your choices every day? (Discuss friends, media, entertainment, etc.)
- What does it mean to delight in something? Can you share something you delight in? (Explain the joy and excitement we should find in God’s Word.)
- Why does Psalm 1 compare righteous people to healthy trees? (Discuss stability, growth, and fruitfulness in simple terms.)
Activity:
- Draw two trees—one healthy and strong by a river, the other dry and withered. Label the healthy tree “Righteous Choices” and the withered tree “Wrong Choices.” Discuss the actions and decisions that lead to each outcome.
Prayer:
- Thank God for His guidance through His Word.
- Ask Him to help your family make choices that please Him.
Final Thoughts
Psalm 1 presents a straightforward yet profound truth: our daily choices matter deeply. They shape our lives, our families, and our eternal destinies. As men dedicated to leading our families well, let’s commit to choosing the righteous path and guiding those we love along that same blessed way.
By Jeremy Sprouse
Jeremy has been married to Erynn since August 1999. They are blessed with six children: Jaden, Isaiah, Isaac, Ean, Joseph, and Evelyn. Jeremy preaches for the Patrick St. church of Christ in Dublin, TX and is the author of To Train Up a Knight.
Knights of The Father 