Psalm 1:1

Popular Bible Verse Series

“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.” – Psalm 1:1


When I graduated high school, my community of teenage boys split into two groups. One group studied diligently, with many passing the college entrance exam or entering professional trade schools. The other group neglected their studies, got into trouble with the law, and missed out on post-high school education. Some even ended going to prison or correctional facilities.

Why did these groups take such different paths—one seemingly good, the other troubled? Was it simply intelligence? I could claim enough smarts to pass China’s college entrance exam, but my success owed more to the group I belonged to. My buddies and I studied hard, unlike the other group, who often fought on the streets.

Back then, I didn’t know any Bible verses. Yet, I was familiar with Chinese proverbs that echoed biblical wisdom. One saying goes: “Stay close to good people, and you’ll improve; stay close to bad people, and you’ll worsen.” Today, we call this good or bad influence. Parents worry about their children’s friends, knowing the group they join shapes their future. This applies to adults too—our social circles influence whether we thrive or struggle.

This proverb aligns with Psalm 1:1: “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.” To be blessed, avoid three things:

  • Do not heed the advice of the wicked.
  • Do not walk the path of habitual sinners.
  • Do not sit with scoffers.
In short, steer clear of the wicked, sinners, and scoffers to receive blessings. This is the group effect: while individuals make choices, their social group profoundly shapes those decisions.

In Romans 1, Paul discusses general and special revelation. General revelation extends beyond nature to include wisdom and common grace, as seen in Chinese proverbs and Psalm 1:1. However, Psalm 1:1 transcends general revelation, pointing to special revelation and grace. Reading Psalm 1, the Psalms, and the entire Bible reveals that true blessing goes beyond earthly, temporary rewards. Through Jesus Christ, who conquered sin and death, believers receive heavenly and eternal blessings. Earthly blessings are but a foretaste of eternal ones.

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Popular Bible Verse Series

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