Wesley's Notes on the Bible 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. 1:1 Blessed - The Hebrew words are very emphatical: O the blessedness of that man! Counsel - That doth not lead his life according to their counsel, or manner of living. Standeth - Which notes a more settled abode in it. Way - In their manner of conversation. Seat - Which notes a constant and resolved perseverance in their wicked courses. Scornful - Of those who make a mock of sin, and scoff at goodness and goodmen. Divers observe a gradation in this verse ; the following clause still exceeding the former, for standing is more than walking, and sitting more than standing; and sinners in scripture use, are worse than the ungodly, and the scornful are the worst of sinners.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 1:2 Day and night - Not seldom and slightly, but diligently, and constantly.
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; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. 1:3 Whither - His happiness is not short and transitory, but, like those trees which are continually green and flourishing.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. 1:4 Ungodly - Their condition is far different. Chaff - They are restless and unquiet: their seeming felicity, hath no firm foundation, but quickly vanishes and flees away as chaff before the wind.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 1:5 Not stand - Not endure the trial. Judgment - In the great and general judgment of the world.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. 1:6 Knoweth - He approves, loves, and delights in them, and therefore will recompence them. Perish - All their designs and courses shall come to nothing, and they shall perish with them. Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible by John Wesley [1754-65] Bible Hub |
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