Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Psalms 1:1-6
INTRODUCTION
1. Wherein lies the key to true happiness?
a. We live in a time where boredom, depression and other forms of
unhappiness are rampant
b. Is there some basic principle which determines success in finding
happiness?
2. The Book of Psalms with its very first psalm shares with us a key
principle that can ensure true happiness...
a. Notice the very first word of the first psalm - "Blessed..."
1) The word in Hebrew denotes the idea of "happiness"
2) The actual force of the Hebrew could be translated "O how very
happy is the man..."
b. Therefore this psalm describes "The Truly Happy Man"
3. In this lesson, we shall...
a. Take a close look at the first psalm
b. Seek to glean the principles necessary for one to truly be happy
[The psalm itself can be divided into three sections. The first section
describes...]
I. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS MAN
A. WE ARE TOLD OF HIS CHARACTER (1-2)
1. Described first from a NEGATIVE point of view - Ps 1:1
a. There is value in negative commands or statements
1) For so much that destroys happiness is the fruit of
sinful activity
2) We ought to appreciate the value of negative commands
a) They keep us from going astray
b) They protect from harm and misery
-- Like restraining walls along a cliff, they keep us
from getting hurt
b. Therefore it is said that the truly happy man:
1) "Walks not in the counsel of the ungodly"
a) He does not take their counsel as to how to live
b) He does not follow the advice of those who are sinful
2) "Nor stands in the path of sinners"
a) He does not linger where sinners are known to go
b) For the temptation to go with them would be great
3) "Nor sits in the seat of the scornful"
a) He does not join himself with those who ridicule and
mock those trying to do right
b) Which sinners often do to fortify their conduct and
defend their actions
c. Notice the example of Hebrew poetry in this verse
1) Hebrew poetry stressed "thought rhyme" rather than "word
rhyme"