The godly man from Psalm 1
Psalm 1 is an introduction to the rest of the Psalms in the Bible. It talks about two kinds of people in this world. The first three verses talk about the godly man and his characteristics and the next two verses talk about the worldly man. The final verse is the conclusion of both in summary.
Godly Man
A godly man is a separated man
Verse 1 says, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.”
Notice the words ‘walk’, ‘stand’ and ‘sit’. Some time back, a lawyer moved in as my neighbour. After four months, I met him seeking his advice regarding the purchase of a place for our office. He gave his ideas and wisdom and I was happy. Whenever I needed further advice, I would stand outside my house at 9:00 am, as that was the time he would leave for his office, or I would wait at 10 in the night, as that was the time he returned. After a little more of getting to know each other, he invited me home to sit and talk over a cup of coffee. We got to know more about each other.
For a godly man, Jesus is the counsellor (Isaiah 9:6). A godly man goes to God for counsel and waits upon Him. He has fellowship with godly people only. Backsliding is never an accident but a gradual way of shifting our focus from God to the wicked.
A godly man is saturated with God’s word
Verse 2 “but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
A godly man delights in the Word of God and it is his pleasure. The way we read and meditate on the Bible is an indicator of our spiritual health. A sick person would never enjoy fried chicken but a healthy person would relish it. The desire to relish God’s word tells volumes of our spiritual condition.
The godly man meditates God’s Word night and day. There cannot be compartmentalisation of our time where God’s word does not have a place. Whether personal, family or business or friends, the meditation of God’s word saves us from diversions.
A godly man is fruitful
Verse 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
A godly man is like a tree planted by the streams of water and it is the grace of God that he is what he is. God has raised me and made me what I am. I’ve nothing to boast about it or gloat over that. A godly person is supposed to yield the fruit of the spirit. There is counterfeit “fruit” which looks very similar but is fraudulent. This person is identifiable from a distance like how a tree is recognised and people go under the shelter of these trees for rest and comfort.
Whatever they do prospers! This is a very interesting statement challenged by theological debates. Does God approve of what we do? Yes, if we do according to His will. When we walk in His ways and do His will, we prosper to be like Jesus, and we brim with His joy, peace and the hope of eternal life. This is how we as separated people need to be.
James 1:23 – Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror.