Answer
Psalm 1 presents two roads in life or two opposing lifestyle choices—the way of the righteous (outlined in verses 1–3) and the way of the wicked (verses 4–5). The final verse summarizes: “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction” (verse 6).
Psalm 1:1 states that the one who walks in the way of the righteous is blessed. In the original Hebrew, the word translated as “blessed” means “happy and divinely favored.” It is repeated in the original text, giving greater intensity to its meaning. The way of the righteous is the path of those who pursue a God-centered existence. Those walking on this path are blessed with abundant happiness (Psalm 16:11; 21:6; 34:8; Acts 13:52; Philippians 4:4). He or she is highly favored by God’s grace (Deuteronomy 7:7–8; Jeremiah 31:3; Ephesians 2:4–8; Philippians 1:7). Jesus spoke of this blessedness in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12). God’s grace and favor are ultimately shown through the cross of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24–25; Ephesians 1:7).
To walk the way of the righteous means to not “follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers” (Psalm 1:1, NLT). The person choosing the way of the righteous avoids thinking and behaving like the ungodly. He ignores worldly counsel and the philosophy of secular humanists who put themselves at the center of their world (2 Corinthians 5:15; 2 Timothy 3:1–2). The pursuer of righteousness resists the desires of the flesh (Romans 8:5; Ephesians 2:3) and refuses to associate with people who treat God with contempt (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Those who love God’s Word travel the way of the righteous: “But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night” (Psalm 1:2, NLT). They pray, “Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found” (Psalm 119:35, NLT; see also Psalm 119:1, 47). Those who walk down the godly road acquire a healthy appetite for God’s truth and instruction, declaring like the psalmist, “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long” (Psalm 119:97; see also Joshua 1:8).
The way of the righteous is a secure, fruitful, and prosperous path. The people on this road “are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do” (Psalm 1:3, NLT). The God-centered person feasts on God’s Word and drinks from His refreshing, life-giving streams (John 4:14; Ephesians 5:26). He never goes hungry or thirsty.
Jesus Himself said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35; see also John 6:48; John 7:37). The godly draw sustenance and strength from the Lord. He is their source of life. In Him, they are firmly anchored by roots that reach down into a well that never runs dry (Isaiah 58:11). The way of the righteous brings peace, refreshing, renewal, cleansing, fruitfulness, and soul satisfaction to all who walk in it (Isaiah 32:17; 40:31; Psalm 19:7–10; 51:10; 63:1–5; Proverbs 11:30; Acts 3:20; Ephesians 5:26).
The godly bear fruit in every season of life—both in hard times and in good (Philippians 4:10–20; 2 Corinthians 9:8) and from youth until old age (1 Timothy 4:12; Isaiah 46:4). Their “leaves” never wither because everything they do while seeking first His kingdom and righteousness has eternal worth (Luke 12:33; Matthew 6:20; 1 Peter 1:4; 1 Timothy 6:18–19).
The way of the righteous is the Christian life, which is often described as a “walk” (see Colossians 1:10; 2:6; Ephesians 4:17; 5:2, 8, 15; 1 Thessalonians 2:12, ESV). Through faith in His sacrifice, Christ becomes our righteousness (Romans 3:21–31; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus calls all true believers to follow Him down a road of sacrifice and service, giving up their own lives to minister to others for the sake of the gospel (Matthew 16:24–26; Romans 12:1). This road involves personal, intimate fellowship with our Shepherd and Savior (Psalm 23:1; John 10:1–21; Hebrews 13:20), who leads, guides, and protects us. The Lord walks with His righteous ones, watching over them every step of the way (Psalm 1:6).
The ultimate blessedness of the way of the righteous is that it leads to life in God’s presence forever (Proverbs 21:21). By contrast, the way the wicked ends in eternal judgment, destruction, and death (Psalm 1:4–6; Philippians 3:18–19; 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9; Revelation 20:11–15).
