\c 1
\ms Book I
\mr Psalms 1–41
\cl Psalm 1
\q1
\v 1 Blessed is the one
\q2 who does not walk in step with the wicked
\q1 or stand in the way that sinners take
\q2 or sit in the company of mockers,
\q1
\v 2 but whose delight is in the law of the \nd Lord\nd*,
\q2 and who meditates on his law day and night.
Questions:
-
Verse 1:
- What types of people should one avoid to be blessed?
- What do you think it means to "walk in step with the wicked"?
- Imagine standing in the way of sinners. How does that feel? What might that look like in today's world?
- Who are the "mockers"? How does sitting in their company affect a person?
-
Verse 2:
- What does it mean to delight in the law of the Lord?
- How does delighting in God’s law differ from merely obeying it?
- How might someone's life look if they meditate on God's law day and night?
- Visualize yourself meditating day and night. How does this practice shape your thoughts and actions?
Summary Questions for Scene 1:
- How does avoiding the company of the wicked lead to a blessed life?
- What emotions arise when you think about dedicating yourself to God’s law?
- How can you integrate the practice of meditating on God's law in your daily life?
\q1
\v 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
\q2 which yields its fruit in season
\q1 and whose leaf does not wither—
\q2 whatever they do prospers.
Questions:
- What imagery is used to describe a person who delights in God’s law?
- Why is a tree planted by streams of water a fitting metaphor for a righteous person?
- How does this person yield fruit “in season”?
- What do you think it means that their "leaf does not wither"?
- How might this image motivate someone to follow God’s ways?
- Imagine being this tree. What sensations do you feel being nourished and thriving?
Summary Questions for Scene 2:
- How does the tree imagery help you understand the benefits of being righteous?
- How does this verse inspire you to seek spiritual nourishment?
\q1
\v 4 Not so the wicked!
\q2 They are like chaff
\q2 that the wind blows away.
\q1
\v 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
\q2 nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
Questions:
-
Verse 4:
- How are the wicked described in this verse?
- What is chaff, and why is it a powerful metaphor for the wicked?
- Imagine the wind blowing away the chaff. How does that image make you feel about the fate of the wicked?
-
Verse 5:
- What is meant by “not standing in the judgment”?
- Why is being in the assembly of the righteous significant?
- How does this verse contrast the fate of the wicked with the righteous?
Summary Questions for Scene 3:
- How do these verses emphasize the difference between the righteous and the wicked?
- What emotions do you experience when thinking about the judgment?
\q1
\v 6 For the \nd Lord\nd* watches over the way of the righteous,
\q2 but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
Questions:
- What does it mean that the Lord watches over the way of the righteous?
- How does this provide comfort or assurance to the righteous?
- What is the eventual end for the wicked mentioned in this verse?
- How does knowing this destiny impact your view of living a righteous life?
Summary Questions for Scene 4:
- How does this verse encapsulate the overall message of Psalm 1?
- Reflecting on the passage, how do you feel about the importance of righteousness in God’s eyes?
- How can you apply the lessons from this Psalm to your own spiritual journey?
- Visualize the entire Psalm. How does each part contribute to the overall message of the text?
- Reflect on the emotional journey from blessing to warning in the Psalm. How does it impact your understanding of righteousness and wickedness?
- How do you feel inspired or challenged by the lessons of Psalm 1 in your daily life and spiritual practices?