The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. (Psalm 1:4-5)
This statement is made in contrast with the man whose fruit is abundant and whose leaf does not wither — it is not so with the wicked who are likened to chaff. In a stalk of grain there are three primary parts: the kernel (the fruit) is a staple of human consumption, the straw is used for animals but the chaff is dry, fragile and good for nothing. Consequently, the slightest breeze carries it away into oblivion, and so it is with the wicked of the world. Because they place their trust in all the wrong things, a gust of wind will upset their illusions of happiness and peace leaving them to dangle insecurely in whatever life decides to bring them.
Scripture says, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength; he shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness” (Jeremiah 17:5-6). Furthermore, the Bible warns that those who trust in their own abilities and practice wickedness will not “stand in the judgement.” That is to say, they will not survive whatever God allows to touch their life as recompense for their actions in this life, not to mention what is to befall in the world to come. They will not be counted among those who are in the congregation of the righteous, which may come as a surprise to some of them when they hear Him say, “Depart from Me; I never knew you.”
In short, the way of the wicked is doomed — but you already know that. Still, we must keep in mind what this description is contrasted with — the blessed man. God keeps the wicked at a distance but to those who pursue righteousness, He beckons them to draw near to Him. He knows those who love Him and directs their path causing them to prosper in all that they set their hands to do. Therefore, the end of this Psalm reminds us of what is presented in the beginning: avoid the distractions of things that are destined to doom and carried off by the wind. Instead, be planted by the river of living water and live an abundant life full of fruit and prosperity.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments