Psalms – Chapter 1

Old Testament • 6 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 1 opens with the words: "Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence:" Across its 6 verses, two threads run through the text: sin and divine judgment and justice and care for the poor. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence:

2But his will is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he shall meditate day and night.

3And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season. And his leaf shall not fall off: and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.

4Not so the wicked, not so: but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.

5Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: nor sinners in the council of the just.

6For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish.

Important Verses in Psalms 1

“Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence:”

Psalms 1:1

“For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish. ”

Psalms 1:6

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 1 of 150 opens the book and sets the stage for everything that follows. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 6 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the…" The final verse reads: "For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence:" The passage repeatedly touches on sin and divine judgment.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 1 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Basil the Great and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 1032).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓God defends the poor and the oppressed, and calls His people to act with justice.
  • ✓True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is a gift of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection for Today

According to Catholic teaching, Psalm 1 presents the fundamental choice between the way of righteousness and the way of sin. The Catechism of the Catholic Church emphasizes that meditation on God's law—the Torah—is central to the spiritual life (CIC 2706). In Catholic tradition, this "law" encompasses not only the commandments but the entire revelation of God, fulfilled in Christ.

The Church Fathers, particularly St. Augustine in his commentary on the Psalms, saw the "blessed man" of Psalm 1 as ultimately referring to Christ, the only one who perfectly fulfills the law. Through Baptism and incorporation into Christ's Body, the Church, we share in His righteousness. This is the Catholic understanding of justification—not merely declared righteous, but made righteous through grace.

The image of the tree planted by streams of water is understood in Catholic spirituality as representing the soul nourished by the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. The Liturgy of the Hours, prayed daily by priests and religious, begins with this psalm, reminding us that fruitfulness in the Christian life comes from being rooted in God's Word and sustained by His grace through the Church's sacramental life.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 1 about?

Psalms 1 contains 6 verses. It opens with "Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the…" and closes with "For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: and the way of the wicked shall perish. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 1?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the chair of pestilence:" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Job 28Shares people and themes with this chapterProverbs 10Shares people and themes with this chapterEcclesiastes 7Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison🙏Prayer for the Poor🙏Prayer for the World

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