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Psalms

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Day 5

"The ungodly are not so..." Psalm 1:4

Text: Psalm 1

AN INTENDED CONTRAST

A picture of the ungodly is presented in the following text. The sharp contrast painted is intended.

“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

1. The imagery of “chaff”

a) The ancient way of winnowing is employed.
b) The kernel being heavy will drop to the ground.
c) The chaff which is empty and light will be blown away by the wind.
d) The ungodly are well-described as “chaff”.

2. A second picture is offered

a) We have a picture of an “assembly” (congregation) before the Presence of God Himself.
b) The godly (the righteous) will make up the holy assembly.
c) The ungodly will not be part of this holy congregation.

3. The idea of “judgment”

a) We are introduced to the idea of God’s judgment.
b) It is God Himself who determines who will make up His congregation.
c) God’s means of discernment and choice would be obvious.
i) The righteous will be distinguished by his love for the Lord and His word (Psalm 1:2).
ii) The unrighteous would be marked by his sinful and scornful ways (Psalm 1:1)

Surely the heart is greatly stirred to choose the way of the righteous!