A Tree Planted By Streams of Water

Psalm 1:1-6

Key Verse 1:3

1. Read verse 1 and think about the way the sentence is structured. What word, or words, is emphasized? What do the wicked, sinners, and mockers do? Why do they do this? (Think about what the word "blessed" means.) Yet why should one "not" follow in their footsteps?  

2. Read verse 2. Think about the expression "...and on his law he meditates day and night." What does the word "meditate" mean? How can one meditate on the word of God "day and night"?  

3. Read verse 3. What does "planted" mean? What does "streams of water" stand for? Think about: a) a tree that "yields its fruit in season"; b) "whose leaf does not wither"; and c) "whatever he does prospers". What do these expressions tell us about the way of a "blessed" life? 

4. Read verse 4. Why "not" so the wicked? Why is chaff blown away by the wind? What does the "wind" signify?

5. Read verse 5. This passage begins with the word "Therefore." What does "the judgment" refer to? What does "the assembly of the righteous" mean? What does “the wicked will not stand" [in the judgment nor in the assembly of the righteous] mean? Why will they "not" be able to stand in the judgment? Why is this a problem?

6. Read verse 6. How is the verse 5 related with the previous verse(s)? What does it mean to say, " the Lord watches over 'the way' [of the righteous]"? What does “the way of the wicked that will perish” mean?