Psalm 1:5
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous
Therefore
This word serves as a conclusion or result of the preceding verses. In the context of Psalm 1, it connects the fate of the wicked to their actions and choices. The Hebrew word used here is "עַל־כֵּן" (al-ken), which implies a logical consequence. The psalmist is emphasizing that the moral and spiritual laws established by God are unchanging and that the outcomes for the wicked are inevitable due to their rejection of God's ways.

the wicked
The term "wicked" is translated from the Hebrew word "רְשָׁעִים" (reshayim), which refers to those who are morally wrong, guilty, or hostile toward God. In the biblical context, the wicked are those who live in opposition to God's commandments and are characterized by their sinful behavior. This term is often used throughout the Psalms to contrast with the righteous, highlighting the moral dichotomy present in the world.

will not stand
The phrase "will not stand" comes from the Hebrew "לֹא־יָקֻמוּ" (lo yaqumu), indicating an inability to endure or remain firm. In the context of judgment, it suggests that the wicked will not be able to withstand the scrutiny and justice of God. This imagery evokes a courtroom setting where the wicked are unable to justify themselves before the divine Judge, leading to their ultimate downfall.

in the judgment
"Judgment" here is translated from the Hebrew word "בַּמִּשְׁפָּט" (bamishpat), which refers to a legal decision or verdict. In the biblical sense, it encompasses both temporal and eternal judgment. The psalmist is pointing to a future time when God will execute justice, separating the righteous from the wicked. This concept is deeply rooted in the Jewish understanding of divine justice and accountability.

nor sinners
"Sinners" is derived from the Hebrew "וְחַטָּאִים" (vechata'im), referring to those who miss the mark or fall short of God's standards. While similar to "wicked," this term emphasizes the habitual nature of sinning. The psalmist is underscoring that those who persist in sin without repentance will not find a place among the righteous.

in the assembly
The word "assembly" comes from the Hebrew "בַּעֲדַת" (ba'adat), meaning a gathering or congregation. This term often refers to the community of God's people, those who are in covenant relationship with Him. The psalmist is highlighting the exclusion of sinners from this sacred community, emphasizing the purity and holiness required to be part of God's people.

of the righteous
"Righteous" is translated from the Hebrew "צַדִּיקִים" (tzaddikim), referring to those who are just, virtuous, and in right standing with God. The righteous are those who live according to God's laws and seek to honor Him in their lives. This term is central to the biblical narrative, representing the ideal of a life lived in harmony with God's will. The psalmist concludes by affirming the ultimate separation between those who follow God and those who reject Him, underscoring the eternal consequences of one's choices.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Wicked
Refers to those who live in opposition to God's laws and principles. In the context of Psalm 1, the wicked are contrasted with the righteous, highlighting their ultimate fate.

2. The Judgment
This is a reference to the divine judgment where God will evaluate the lives of all individuals. It implies a future event where the moral and spiritual state of each person is assessed.

3. Sinners
Those who habitually commit acts that are against God's commands. In this verse, they are grouped with the wicked, emphasizing their separation from the righteous.

4. The Assembly of the Righteous
Symbolizes the gathering of those who live according to God's will. It represents a community of believers who are justified and sanctified by their faith and actions.
Teaching Points
The Certainty of Divine Judgment
God's judgment is inevitable and impartial. Believers should live with an awareness of this truth, striving to align their lives with God's standards.

The Importance of Righteous Living
The distinction between the wicked and the righteous underscores the importance of living a life that reflects God's righteousness. Believers are called to pursue holiness and integrity.

Community of Believers
The "assembly of the righteous" highlights the value of being part of a faith community. Christians should seek fellowship with other believers for mutual encouragement and growth.

Eternal Consequences
The verse serves as a reminder of the eternal consequences of our choices. It encourages self-examination and repentance to ensure alignment with God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of divine judgment in Psalm 1:5 influence your daily decisions and actions?

2. In what ways can you actively participate in the "assembly of the righteous" within your local church or community?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between a path of righteousness and wickedness. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from it?

4. How do the themes of judgment and righteousness in Psalm 1:5 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament?

5. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are living a life that aligns with the values of the righteous as described in Psalm 1?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Matthew 25:31-46
This passage describes the final judgment where the separation of the righteous and the wicked is vividly portrayed, similar to the imagery in Psalm 1:5.

Revelation 20:11-15
The Great White Throne Judgment is another depiction of the final judgment, reinforcing the idea that the wicked will not stand in the presence of God.

Psalm 37:9-11
This passage contrasts the fate of the wicked with the inheritance of the righteous, echoing the themes of separation and divine justice found in Psalm 1:5.
A Congregation in Which Sinners Cannot StandSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:5
Failure in JudgmentSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:5
The Day of JudgmentA. Dickinson,.Psalm 1:5
The Ungodly Rising to JudgmentSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:5
A Certain Prescription for HappinessL. A. Banks, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
A ContrastC. Short Psalm 1:1-6
A Happy RetrospectQuiver.Psalm 1:1-6
Association with SinnersJ. Logan.Psalm 1:1-6
Avoiding Evil DoersE. N. Packard.Psalm 1:1-6
BlessednessW. Forsyth Psalm 1:1-6
CharacterW. Forsyth Psalm 1:1-6
CompanionsArthur Mursell.Psalm 1:1-6
Counsels to the YoungJ. Witherspoon, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
Getting Used to an Ungodly AtmospherePsalm 1:1-6
Greatness, Happiness, ProsperityW. Forsyth Psalm 1:1-6
Stages in SinSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
The 1St Psalm, IntroductoryJ. J. Stewart Perowne, B. D.Psalm 1:1-6
The Blessed ManW. Jay.Psalm 1:1-6
The Blessed ManJoseph Parker, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
The Blessed Man's LikenessJoseph Parker, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
The Blessedness of the TrueW. Forsyth Psalm 1:1-6
The Character of the Pious and ProfaneExpository OutlinesPsalm 1:1-6
The Counsel of Ungodly MenSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
The Fear of RidiculeQuiver.Psalm 1:1-6
The Felicity of the Godly Man, and Infelicity of the WickThomas Wilcocks.Psalm 1:1-6
The Godly Man HappySir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
The Happy ManD. J. Burrell, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
The Happy ManW. Forsyth Psalm 1:1-6
The Refusals of GodlinessSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
The Title: the Book of Psalms: the Psalms - Their Variety and ValueC. Clemance Psalm 1:1-6
The Triads of TransgressionHomiletic ReviewPsalm 1:1-6
The True ChristianJ. O. Keen, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
The Way of Sin DangerousSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
The Way of the RighteousMonday Club SermonsPsalm 1:1-6
Things Marred by UngodlinessSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
True and False FriendshipR. Venting.Psalm 1:1-6
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Assembly, Cause, Company, Congregation, Evil-doers, Judged, Judgment, Mercy, Righteous, Rise, Sinners, Stand, Ungodly, Upright, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 42:16-17

     5726   old age, attainment

Library
January 4. "Blessed is the Man that Walketh Not" (Ps. I. 1).
"Blessed is the man that walketh not" (Ps. i. 1). Three things are notable about this man: 1. His company. "He walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." 2. His reading and thinking. "His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night." 3. His fruitfulness. "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Blessedness and Praise
'Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord.' --PSALM i. 1, 2. 'Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.'--PSALM cl. 6. The Psalter is the echo in devout hearts of the other portions of divine revelation. There are in it, indeed, further disclosures of God's mind and purposes, but its especial characteristic is--the reflection
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Chaff Driven Away
We sometimes call men irreligious; and, surely, to be irreligious is bad enough; but to be religious is not good enough. A man may be religious, but yet he may not be godly. There are many who are religious; as touching the law outwardly they are blameless; Hebrews of the Hebrews, Pharisees of the straitest sect. They neglect no rubric, they break no law of their church, they are exceedingly precise in their religion; yet, notwithstanding this, they may rank under the class of the ungodly; for to
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven Sacraments.
Holy Communion.--In relation to this Sacrament, as indeed to all the Sacraments of the Eastern Church, it is necessary to say that, doctrine being in an altogether undefined state, an outsider has considerable difficulty in realising, in any degree of certainty, what the attitude of mind generally of the Church is, or more exactly ought to be. One cannot help feeling that without the mental subtleness of the East, and the atmosphere and environment of its worship, it is impossible to understand,
John Brownlie—Hymns of the Holy Eastern Church

And Then that Further Device of Theirs, if Words Can Express It...
40. And then that further device of theirs, (if words can express it), how painfully ridiculous is it, which they have invented for defense of their long locks! "A man," say they, "the Apostle hath forbidden to have long hair: but then they who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of God are no longer men." O dotage unparalleled! Well may the person who says this arm himself against Holy Scripture's most manifest proclamations, with counsel of outrageous impiety, and persevere in a tortuous
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

As Therefore the Apostle, Nay Rather the Spirit of God Possessing and Filling And...
19. As therefore the Apostle, nay rather the Spirit of God possessing and filling and actuating his heart, ceased not to exhort the faithful who had such substance, that nothing should be lacking to the necessities of the servants of God, who wished to hold a more lofty degree of sanctity in the Church, in cutting off all ties of secular hope, and dedicating a mind at liberty to their godly service of warfare: likewise ought themselves also to obey his precepts, in sympathizing with the weak, and
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

On the Psalms. I.
[1376] The Argument of the Exposition of the Psalms by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome. 1. The book of Psalms contains new doctrine after the law which was given by Moses; and thus it is the second book of doctrine after the Scripture of Moses. After the death, then of Moses and Joshua, and after the judges, David arose, one deemed worthy to be called the father of the Saviour, and he was the first to give the Hebrews a new style of psalmody, by which he did away with the ordinances established by Moses
Hippolytus—The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus

Works by the Same Author.
Crown 8vo, cloth, price 7s. 6d. each. THE PSALMS. VOL. I.--PSALMS I.-XXXVIII. " II.--PSALMS XXXIX.-LXXXIX. " III.--PSALMS XC-CL. IN THE "EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE." "The work of a brilliant and effective teacher. He writes with real power and insight."--Saturday Review. "Dr. Maclaren has evidently mastered his subject with the aid of the best authorities, and has put the results of his studies before his readers in a most attractive form, and if we add that this commentary really helps to the better
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

What Sin Does to Men
'Ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water. 31. And the strong shall be as tow, and His work as a spark; and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them.'--ISAIAH i. 30-31. The original reference of these words is to the threatened retribution for national idolatry, of which 'oaks' and 'gardens' were both seats. The nation was, as it were, dried up and made inflammable; the idol was as the 'spark' or the occasion for destruction. But a wider application,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

John's Witness to Jesus, and God's
'And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 16. John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 17. Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His garner; but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly
'Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 2. A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3. A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. 5. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6. The words of the wicked are to lie
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Epistle xvi. From Felix Bishop of Messana to St. Gregory.
From Felix Bishop of Messana [243] to St. Gregory. To the most blessed and honourable lord, the holy father Pope Gregory, Felix lover of your Weal and Holiness. The claims under God of your most blessed Weal and Holiness are manifest. For, though the whole earth was filled with observance of the true faith by the preaching and doctrine of the apostles, yet the orthodox Church of Christ, having been founded by apostolical institution and most firmly established by the faithful fathers, is further
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent.
1. The whole system of religion delivered by the hand of Moses, in many ways pointed to Christ. This exemplified in the case of sacrifices, ablutions, and an endless series of ceremonies. This proved, 1. By the declared purpose of God; 2. By the nature of the ceremonies themselves; 3. From the nature of God; 4. From the grace offered to the Jews; 5. From the consecration of the priests. 2. Proof continued. 6. From a consideration of the kingdom erected in the family of David. 7. From the end of the
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers

Writings of St. Ambrose.
The extant writings of St. Ambrose may be divided under six heads. I. Dogmatic; II. Exegetic; III. Moral; IV. Sermons; V. Letters; VI. A few Hymns. I. Dogmatic and Controversial Works. 1. De Fide. The chief of these are the Five Books on the Faith, of which the two first were written in compliance with a request of the Emperor Gratian, a.d. 378. Books III.-V. were written in 379 or 380, and seem to have been worked up from addresses delivered to the people [V. prol. 9, 11; III. 143; IV. 119]. This
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and those who Sin Deliberately.
(Admonition 33.). Differently to be admonished are those who are overcome by sudden passion and those who are bound in guilt of set purpose. For those whom sudden passion overcomes are to be admonished to regard themselves as daily set in the warfare of the present life, and to protect the heart, which cannot foresee wounds, with the shield of anxious fear; to dread the hidden darts of the ambushed foe, and, in so dark a contest, to guard with continual attention the inward camp of the soul. For,
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Letter ii (A. D. 1126) to the Monk Adam
To the Monk Adam [3] 1. If you remain yet in that spirit of charity which I either knew or believed to be with you formerly, you would certainly feel the condemnation with which charity must regard the scandal which you have given to the weak. For charity would not offend charity, nor scorn when it feels itself offended. For it cannot deny itself, nor be divided against itself. Its function is rather to draw together things divided; and it is far from dividing those that are joined. Now, if that
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

May one Lose the Blessing?
The question trembles from many a lip--If I get the blessing, may I lose it? Most certainly. But, glory be to God! He has made ample provision for failure. There is no reason why we should fail; God has made ample provision against failure; we must not expect to fail; but in case we do fail, provision has been made. The most prolific cause of loss is disobedience--disobedience either to one of God's written commands, or to the inward promptings of His Holy Spirit. "The Holy Ghost whom God hath
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Exegetic.
(i) As of the De Spiritu Sancto, so of the Hexæmeron, no further account need be given here. It may, however, be noted that the Ninth Homily ends abruptly, and the latter, and apparently more important, portion of the subject is treated of at less length than the former. Jerome [472] and Cassiodorus [473] speak of nine homilies only on the creation. Socrates [474] says the Hexæmeron was completed by Gregory of Nyssa. Three orations are published among Basil's works, two on the creation
Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Question Lxxxii of Devotion
I. Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Meaning of the Term "Devotion" S. Augustine, Confessions, XIII. viii. 2 II. Is Devotion an Act of the Virtue of Religion? III. Is Contemplation, that is Meditation, the Cause of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Causes of Devotion " " On the Devotion of Women IV. Is Joy an Effect of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On Melancholy S. Augustine, Confessions, II. x. I Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? It is by our acts that we merit. But
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

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