Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers; Psalm 1:1 WEB
The company we choose to keep impacts our thoughts and our behavior. When we choose to surround ourselves with godly men and women, they tend to positively influence our lives. On the other hand, unrepentant sinners and those who mock God impact our lives negatively. To find happiness, the very first verse of Psalm chapter one encourages us to avoid the company of the wicked.
Those who follow the wisdom found in the word of God are blessed. This is a positive statement derived from verse one. But before revealing this positive aspect, the author of the first Psalm made three negative statements condemning sinfulness. The text teaches that our blessed happiness directly results from not doing these things.
First, the verse asserts happiness for those who avoid advice from the wicked. Next, the scripture teaches that a blessed person does not associate with those who practice sinful behaviors. Finally, we read that the elevated state of blessing comes to those who reject scoffing and scoffers. As we read in Isaiah 57:20-21, “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. KJV”
The Gift of God
Not taking advice from the wicked and avoiding the company of active sinners adds joy and value to our lives because there are consequences in the present and eternally for sinful behavior. Those who shun sin and seek righteous guidance avoid the painful consequences of sinful behavior finding salvation in the Word of God. As we read in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV”
In the text, scoffers refers to a group of individual free thinkers but not just those who think for themselves. Rather, these are cynical people who mock God in defiance of his holy wisdom. We read of rebellious individuals like these in Proverbs 13:1 which says, “A wise son listens to his father’s instruction, but a scoffer doesn’t listen to rebuke. WEB” Avoiding scoffers, we further reduce the negative influences in our lives resulting in experiencing the happiness of being blessed by God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for the happiness you bring to my heart. Guide me with your wisdom. Give me the things I need to effectively serve your purpose here on earth. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Evil Men
