The Way of the Righteous
September 23, 2026
Praying Friends,
Recently, while helping at a youth camp, I led a daily hike, teaching spiritual lessons from nature.
Several times we came to a fork in the path and had to decide to go either right or left. Each time we stopped and talked about the importance of deciding wisely based on the designated direction the map provided. To make a left turn when the proper trail goes to the right would take you off course and away from the desired goal.
This may help us understand the purpose of Psalm 1.
Some of you may know that for the past few months, we have been going through Psalm 119 and considering the main idea of each of the 22 eight-verse sections.
Psalm 119 comes under the category of a wisdom Psalm because it provides the reader with wisdom from God.
Psalm 1, which is the gateway to the Psalms, also falls into this same wisdom classification. It describes the pathway of the righteous and its counterpart, the wicked. Psalm 1:1-6 NIV 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, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. 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. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.
The author begins by describing the behavior or actions of the righteous person. The opening verse reminds us that his or her walk is not the same as the world's; their life is noticeably different.
The righteous person has convictions based on God’s Word, and their life is founded on God’s values and not the world's.
The righteous person associates and makes close friendships with God's people and not with those who scoff at the gospel.
Then he points out that these actions are not arbitrary, but flow from a mind and heart wholly filled with God’s Word. This is the life that produces fruit, bringing delight to God and fullness to His people.
The righteous is compared in this psalm to a healthy tree that draws its nutrients from the rich fertile soil of the riverbanks. This fertile soil is like the Word of God to the believer. From it we receive strength, courage, fulfillment, joy, and all things necessary for true thriving in a barren world.
After showing the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, the psalmist closes in verse 6 by saying, “The LORD watches over the way of the righteous.” Thankfully, God is committed to guarding and protecting His people.
May we appreciate His watchfulness over us as we pray today for the prodigals and for revival among us.
Warmly in Christ,
Bryan and Rachel
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