Question 1

What does it mean that the blessed man avoids the counsel of the ungodly?

Accepted Answer

The blessed man is pictured as someone who refuses to shape his life by the advice, habits, and mockery of people who ignore God. He does not “walk” in their counsel, “stand” where they live in sin, or “sit” and join in their scorn. Instead of soaking in their words, he fills his mind with God’s word. This shows that blessing is tied to the voices we follow. Turning away from ungodly patterns is the first step on the path of a happy and holy life.

Question 2

Why is delighting in the law of the Lord so central in these songs?

Accepted Answer

Delighting in the law of the Lord means more than bare duty. It is a heart that loves what God says and sees his word as good, wise, and life-giving. Meditating “day and night” is pictured as steady, ongoing thought, like chewing food. These songs say that such delight makes a person like a tree near water, always supplied and able to bear fruit. In hardship or calm, God’s word becomes guidance, comfort, and strength for those who gladly receive it.

Question 3

What is the picture of the righteous as a tree by rivers of water?

Accepted Answer

The image of a tree planted by rivers shows a life rooted in God. The tree did not plant itself; it was set there on purpose and has a constant water source. In the same way, God gives his people grace and keeps them by his word and presence. The tree bears fruit “in season,” its leaf does not wither, and its work prospers. This does not mean a trouble-free life, but a steady, fruitful one, even when the weather of life changes.

Question 4

How are the ungodly described in contrast to the righteous?

Accepted Answer

The ungodly are pictured as chaff, the light husks left after grain is threshed. Chaff looks like something for a moment, but the wind blows it away and nothing useful remains. These songs say the ungodly will not stand in the judgment or share in the gathering of the righteous. They may seem strong now, but their way has no root in God and ends in ruin. This sharp contrast urges readers to leave the empty path of sin and seek God’s way instead.

Question 5

What do these psalms teach about trusting God in trouble?

Accepted Answer

Again and again, the writers cry out from fear, sickness, attack, guilt, and confusion. They are honest about feeling forgotten or surrounded, yet they keep turning back to God’s character: his mercy, righteousness, and power to save. They say things like, “Salvation belongs to the Lord” and “God is our refuge and strength.” Trust here is not a vague feeling but choosing to call on God, wait on him, and rest in his promises when nothing else seems firm.

Question 6

How do these songs speak about God’s judgment and mercy together?

Accepted Answer

These psalms hold both truths side by side. God hates evil, will bring the plans of the wicked to nothing, and will judge nations and people who trample the weak. At the same time, he is slow to anger, rich in mercy, and ready to forgive those who confess their sin and seek him. He knows our frailty, remembers we are dust, and removes sin “as far as the east is from the west.” Judgment without mercy is not the full picture here, and mercy without holiness is not either.

Question 7

Who is the Lord’s anointed Son mentioned in these songs?

Accepted Answer

One song records God saying, “Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee,” and speaking of giving him the nations and ruling with a rod of iron. This first speaks of the king God set on Zion, but it also points beyond any earthly ruler to the promised king over all the earth. Later words about all kings serving him and all nations trusting in him show that this anointed one has a worldwide, lasting reign that only God’s chosen Son can fulfill.

Question 8

Why do some verses sound harsh when they ask for enemies to be judged?

Accepted Answer

Many lines are pleas that God would stop those who crush the poor, shed innocent blood, or mock God without fear. The writers are not taking private revenge but asking the righteous Judge to act, so that evil does not rule and that God’s name is honored. These cries can feel hard to us, yet they come from deep hurt and a desire for justice. At the same time, the songs also ask God to search their own hearts and forgive their sins, not only deal with others.

Question 9

How can I use these psalms in my own prayers today?

Accepted Answer

You can pray these words back to God as they are, making them your own. When you are glad, use the songs of praise to bless his name. When you are afraid or ashamed, use the laments and confessions to pour out your heart. Let the verses about the blessed man, the tree by the water, and trust in God shape what you long for. As you read and repeat them, they teach you how to speak honestly to God and keep your feet on the path of righteousness.

Question 10

What do these psalms show about God’s care for the weak and needy?

Accepted Answer

Again and again, God is called a refuge for the oppressed, a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, and a shelter in trouble. He hears the cry of prisoners, the sighing of the poor, and the broken in heart. He lifts the needy from the dust, binds up wounds, and promises that the meek will inherit the earth. This shows that his rule is not cold power but tender care. Those who feel small or forgotten are invited to trust that he sees and will act.

Psalm 1:1

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.

The Two Paths

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Psalm 1:1

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.

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The Two Paths

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