PSALM 1
THE ARGUMENT
This Psalm was put first as a preface to all the rest, as a powerful persuasive to the diligent reading and serious study of the whole book and of the rest of the Holy Scripture, taken from that blessedness which attends upon the study and practice thereof.
The godly blessed, Psalms 1:1. Their delight in God's law, Psalms 1:2. Their fruitfulness, Psalms 1:3. The wretched course and condition of the ungodly, Psalms 1:4-6.
The Hebrew words are very emphatical, Blessedness belongs to that man, or, Oh the blessedness of that man Thrice blessed is that man; who is here described negatively, and in the next verse positively.
That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, i.e. that doth not lead his life according to their counsel, or course, or manner of living; that doth not associate himself with them, nor follow their evil instigations or examples. Walking notes choice of it, and continuance or process in it; otherwise good men do sometimes step aside into an evil action. For the explaining of the phrase, see Genesis 49:6 2 Chronicles 22:3-5 Proverbs 1:15, Proverbs 4:14 Micah 6:16.
Nor standeth; which notes a more settled abode, hardness, and obstinacy in it.
In the way, i.e. in their course or manner of conversation; in the practice of those things which they choose and use to do; which is called a man's way, Psalms 5:8, Psalms 25:4 2 Peter 2:2,15.
Of sinners; emphatically so called here, as also Psalms 26:9 Ecclesiastes 9:2 Matthew 26:45 Luke 7:37 1 Thessalonians 9:16,31, who give up themselves to the power and practice of sin, making it their great business and their delight.
Nor sitteth in the seat; which notes their association or incorporation of themselves with them; a constant and resolved perseverance in their wicked courses, with great content and security; and a great proficiency and eminency in the school of wickedness, and an ability and readiness to instruct others therein. Of the scornful; of those who are not only diseased, but reject, despise, and scorn all remedies; who make a mock of sin, and of God's threatenings and judgments against sinners; who deride all wholesome reproofs and counsels, and make it their trade to scoff at goodness and good men. Divers have observed a gradation in this verse; the following clause still exceeding the former, for standing is more than walking, and sitting more than standing. And
the way or course may seem to be worse than the counsel or design, and the seat is worse than the way; and sinners, in Scripture use, are worse than the ungodly, and the scornful are the worst of sinners. But I would not lay great stress upon such observations.