Psalm 1:6

 

For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Psalm 1:6 Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
 
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Psalm 1:6 King James Bible (KJV)
 
Certainly the LORD guards the way of the godly, but the way of the wicked ends in destruction.
Psalm 1:6 New English Translation (NET)
 
For the LORD
The term "LORD" in Hebrew is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His personal relationship with His people. This name is a reminder of God's faithfulness and His role as the sovereign ruler over all creation. In the context of Psalm 1, it underscores the divine authority and omniscience of God, who is intimately involved in the lives of the righteous.
 
knows
The Hebrew word used here is "yada," which goes beyond mere intellectual awareness. It implies an intimate, experiential knowledge. This suggests that God is not only aware of the actions of the righteous but is deeply involved in their lives, guiding and sustaining them. This knowledge is protective and nurturing, indicating a relationship that is both personal and profound.
 
the way of the righteous
"The way" refers to the path or lifestyle that one chooses. In biblical terms, the "righteous" are those who live in accordance with God's laws and commandments. This phrase highlights the moral and ethical choices that align with God's will. The righteous are characterized by their commitment to God's word, their pursuit of holiness, and their desire to live in a manner that pleases God.
 
but the way of the wicked
In contrast to the righteous, the "wicked" are those who reject God's laws and live in opposition to His will. The "way of the wicked" represents a lifestyle that is self-centered, rebellious, and ultimately destructive. This phrase serves as a warning about the consequences of living apart from God's guidance and grace.
 
will perish
The Hebrew word "abad" conveys the idea of being lost, destroyed, or coming to ruin. This is not merely a physical death but a spiritual and eternal separation from God. The fate of the wicked is contrasted with the security and blessing of the righteous. This serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate consequences of one's choices and the importance of aligning one's life with God's will.
 
Berean Study Bible
 
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"For the Lord knows the way of the righteous": This part of the verse emphasizes God's intimate knowledge and care for those who follow His path. "The way of the righteous" refers to the lifestyle, choices, and moral conduct of those who live according to God's laws and teachings. The term "knows" here suggests not just awareness but a deep, personal relationship or approval. It implies guidance, protection, and blessing from God for those who are righteous.
 
"But the way of the wicked will perish": In contrast, this part describes the fate of those who live contrary to God's will. "The way of the wicked" symbolizes the path of sin, immorality, and opposition to divine principles. The word "perish" here indicates destruction, loss, and ultimately, separation from God's favor or presence. It's not necessarily about physical death but more about the spiritual and eternal consequences of one's actions.
 
This verse encapsulates a common theme in biblical literature, particularly in the Psalms and Proverbs, where there's a clear dichotomy between the outcomes for the righteous and the wicked. It serves as both encouragement for the faithful to continue in their path and a warning to those who might choose otherwise. Theologically, it highlights:
 
Divine Judgment: There will be a judgment where God discerns between the righteous and the wicked.
Moral Accountability: Human behavior has consequences, both in this life and beyond.
 
Hope and Warning: It offers hope to those who seek righteousness and a warning to those engaged in wickedness.
 
This verse can be seen as foundational to understanding much of the ethical and moral teachings found within the Hebrew Bible and later Christian scriptures, emphasizing the importance of one's life choices in relation to divine judgment and blessing.
 
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For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous,.... The way in which he walks by faith, which is in Jesus Christ; the way in which he goes to the Father, and carries to him his sacrifices of prayer and praise, which meet with acceptance through him; the way in which he seeks for and expects justification, pardon, and salvation, namely, through the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ: and also it may denote his course, his walk and conversation; for the righteous man is a follower of God, he takes up the cross and follows after Christ: he walks not after the flesh, but after the Spirit, according to the rule of the word, and as becomes the Gospel of Christ: and this way of his in every sense the Lord "knows"; not merely as he is omniscient, for by his omniscience his eyes are upon the ways of all men; he knows the way of the wicked as well as the way of the righteous; but the sense is, that the Lord approves of and is well pleased with his way of faith and holiness; he knows this person, so as to love him and take delight and pleasure in him; his countenance beholds him with a smile; he is well pleased with him in Christ and for his sake, on whose account he has respect to him and to his offerings, to his service and duty, to his ways and works; and hence he is a blessed man, is in a happy situation, and all he does prospers, for he and his ways please the Lord: and hence also it is that neither he nor his way shall perish; the way he is in leads to everlasting life, and he being a follower of the Lord in a way pleasing to him, he shall never perish, but have eternal life;
 
but the way of the ungodly shall perish; for his way is a wicked way, the way of sinners, Psa_1:1; it leads to destruction and death, and all that walk in it shall perish; for if is a way the Lord knows not, does not approve of, he abhors it; wherefore the man that continues in it will be unhappy, wretched, and miserable to all eternity. These last words therefore show the reason of the happiness of one sort of men, and the unhappiness of the other; and prove and confirm the same: the Lord knows, approves of, loves, and delights in the one; he does not approve of and delight in the other.
 
John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible
 
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It is a failing that far too many of those who follow the One who is the Christ have the belief that we are somehow better than everyone else. We will, of course, protest that we come nowhere near the self-righteous attitudes of the Pharisees of old, but in comparison to murderers, drug addicts, gays, prostitutes, politicians, Muslims, and other sinners, we aren't all that bad. We are, after all, saved and going to Heaven, which should count for something, right?
 
Most of us don't flaunt our self-righteousness consciously. We often go through years of indoctrination before we become adept at looking down our noses at people from our lofty positions of sanctification. In the end, we become the very thing Jesus spoke so much against; we become modern day Pharisees, and if anyone attempts to point out our Pharisaical attitudes, we are filled with righteous indignation.
 
God, of course, isn't fooled by the robes of self-righteousness with which we've clothed ourselves. The righteous ones He knows are those who have clothed themselves in His righteousness, not their own. Often, those clothed in His righteousness would never even admit to being righteous. These are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, and even while God fills them, they would be horrified at the suggestion of claiming their lives are righteous.
 
It is time that true disciples of Christ would shed our robes of self-righteousness that are nothing but filthy rags and clothe themselves in the true righteousness that comes from God. This righteousness that comes from God doesn't make us better than anyone else, but simply means we are saved and blessed by the merciful grace of God. That is not something that should cause us to be proud, but rather that we fall to our knees in thankful worship of our merciful God.
 
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Cross Reference:
 
Matthew 7:13-14
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it.
 
Proverbs 10:29
The way of the LORD is a refuge to the upright, but destruction awaits those who do evil.
 
Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.