”Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.“ Psalm 1:1-2 ESV
Most likely written by David and placed here as the “preface,” the anchor of the Psalms. This Psalm, especially this verse, is one of the most memorized psalms written. The normal three ways of getting and gathering wisdom among others is while walking, standing or sitting around. Psalms emphatically teaches that this should NOT done in the company of the wicked, sinners nor scoffers! The worst way to gain wisdom is following the advice of friends who do know God, but openly mock Him. However, as Deuteronomy also writes, there is another way to gain wisdom! It says, “as you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength,” Talk about them with your children as you sit, walk, lie down and get up! Psalms declares how to GET wisdom and Deuteronomy explains how to give it away.
Happy is the one who takes delight in God’s law, His ways. And learns to meditate on God’s law day and night. The comparison of company we keep to gain the wisdom necessary to live life well does not come from those who gawk, mock and scoff God’s truth! It comes from humbly and consistently soliloquizing, speaking, musing and muttering God’s law. If you’ve been to Israel and watched orthodox Jews, especially at the wailing wall, you’ll see and hear them still do this today. Quietly, just under their breath they are reciting the Law, praying the Psalms and speaking the Words of God. They are still practicing this ancient Psalm! We think of meditating as quiet, reflection, but the Hebrew mindset is of speaking God’s word. Not mumbling nonsensical sounds, but the eternal, powerful truth of God’s Law. Happy – blessed is the one who desires and takes pleasure in doing this.
Do you want to learn wisdom? Then learn God’s Word – memorize it, meditate on it. Post it on your bathroom mirror, your refrigerator. Do you want to teach it to others? Give it out while you sit, walk, lie down and get up!
Prayer
Dad,
Your Word is not only a light to my path and my feet, it is life and wisdom for my soul and health in my body. Your Word brings comfort, guidance, clarity, truth and strength to my life. I am forever grateful for Your Word and so thankful that it has been recorded and passed down for us today. Your Word will never fail. It will accomplish everything that You have determined it to do!