Many of us are familiar with this text. Some have memorized at least part of it. We've heard several sermons on it, so we tend to skim over it, not really paying attention to the message the Psalmist is trying to convey.

During this series on Psalm One, we need to set aside what we think we know and approach it as a new mystery begging to be solved by every reader.

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.” (Psalm 1:1)

When I read this verse, I’m drawn to consider my own ways and how my life fits with the instruction God gives us. After all, I want to be blessed, and I know you do, too! 

The verse begins with an interesting word, “blessed”.  How did the Psalmist understand the word.  What was he saying as he began this notable Psalm?

Who are the “blessed”? 
What does it mean to be “blessed”? 
How can we be numbered among the “blessed”?

The Hebrew translation actually says, “Oh the happiness of man …”  

The word blessed means happy or happiness.  We understand that.

What makes a man this happy? This isn’t a simple feel-good feeling, but this is:

- true contentment,
- true satisfaction,
- true happiness.

The meaning of this blessedness unfolds as we look at the rest of this first Psalm. 

It applies to both the poor and the rich,
to the common man as well as the highly esteemed,
to the servant and the master,
to the young and the old. 

All who exhibit the qualities described through this Psalm are truly blessed … HAPPY! 

This Psalm sums up the description of the happiest of men and women—those whose lives are revealed in the character of the righteous, careful not to bear resemblance to the wicked. 

It may not make a lot of sense now, but as we read further about the distinct difference between the righteous and the wicked, we'll learn the source of true happiness. 

The Apostle Paul understood this happiness when he described his own state of contentment: 

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."  (Philippians 4:11-13)

Paul found the secret of being content—the happiness that can only be found in Christ.

As we continue tomorrow, we'll learn more about what it is that makes this blessed man happy by looking at the first phrase using what we’ve learned about the word “blessed” and applying it to the rest of the verse.

For now, however, simply ask the Lord to show you how to walk in the same blessedness as the blessed man in Psalm One. The answers will uncover an unmatchable treasure waiting for each of us.

Prayer:
Father, help me to grasp this kind of happiness experienced by the blessed man in Psalm One. Teach me to recognize the blessings of being one who resembles the "blessed man". Amen.

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© 2026 Jan Ross
All Rights Reserved

“Sit often under the influence of God’s Word.”🌻
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