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Psalm 1 Bible Study

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Psalm 1 is often seen as a gateway to the entire book of Psalms. It sets the stage by contrasting two distinct ways of living—the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked.

This short but powerful passage presents a vivid picture of what it looks like to live a life rooted in God versus one that turns away from Him. It emphasizes delighting in the Word of God and demonstrates the blessings of living in alignment with His will.

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to truly flourish, Psalm 1 provides a beautiful, straightforward image. It’s about being like a tree planted by streams of water—rooted, fruitful, and thriving, no matter the season. But it also pulls no punches when describing the emptiness of a life separated from God.

Take a moment to read through Psalm 1. Reading it slowly and aloud might help you. I even recommend meditating on it.

Psalm 1

This is the NIV version. Here is the NKJV.

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,
2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.
3 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.

4 Not so the wicked!
    They are like chaff
    that the wind blows away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

Discussion Questions

Psalm 1 Bible Study
  1. Examining the Two Paths:
    • Psalm 1 presents two ways of life—the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked. What stands out to you about how these paths are described?
    • How does the imagery of the righteous being like a tree planted by water help you understand what living a godly life looks like?
    • What do you think it means to “walk,” “stand,” and “sit” in the company of the wicked (verse 1)? How might these actions reflect stages of influence?
  2. Delighting in God’s Law:
    • Verse 2 talks about delighting in the law of the Lord and meditating on it day and night. What does it mean to you to “delight” in God’s Word? Are there times when this feels challenging?
    • Practically speaking, what could meditating on scripture look like in your daily life? Are there methods or habits you’ve found helpful?
  3. Reflecting on Fruitfulness:
    • Verse 3 gives us the image of a tree that yields fruit in season and whose leaves never wither. How do you see this kind of fruitfulness showing up in your life or the life of someone you admire?
    • What might prevent someone from being like that tree? What might help someone become more rooted in God?
  4. The End of the Wicked:
    • Verse 4 compares the wicked to chaff blown away by the wind. What does this image reveal about a life separated from God?
    • Are there areas in your own life where you feel “unrooted” or disconnected from what truly matters?
  5. Personal Application:
    • Which verse or section of Psalm 1 speaks to your current season of life? Why?
    • What changes might you feel called to make in light of this Psalm’s teaching?

Reflection Moment

Take a few quiet minutes to reflect on your own life. Ask yourself where your roots are placed. Are you drawing nourishment from God’s Word, or are you feeling disconnected? Think about what it would look like to be like that tree planted by streams of water—steady, strong, and fruitful.

Consider journaling your thoughts or talking to God about what came up for you during this time. You can use these prompts for reflection:

  • “Where am I finding my delight?”
  • “What influences am I walking, standing, or sitting with?”
  • “How can I root myself more deeply in God this week?”

Guided Prayer

Take a deep breath, quiet any distractions around you, and use this time to center your heart on God.

Psalm 1:3

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of Your Word and the wisdom in Psalm 1. You remind us of the beauty and blessing of a life rooted in You—a life that thrives, even in dry seasons. Please help us to delight in Your Word, to not just read it, but to allow it to shape our thoughts, actions, and hearts.

Lord, guide us to walk in the way of the righteous. Open our eyes to any areas of our lives where we’re taking steps off the path You’ve laid out for us. Help us to be like that tree planted by streams of water—full of life, steady in storms, and bearing fruit that glorifies You.

We pray for Your protection over our minds and hearts as we resist the pull of influences that lead us away from You. Thank You for Your grace when we fall short. Teach us to trust in You more deeply each day.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Feel free to take this study at your own pace, and don’t rush through these moments of reflection and prayer. The beauty of Psalm 1 is in its simplicity and its call to focus on what truly matters. May this study help you grow more deeply rooted in faith and joy.

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