Abstract

The sapiential Psalm 1 contains a teaching on the two paths of the human
life and the consequences of our choices. It contrasts the just man who is
“happy” (v. 1) with the villains who are “lost” (v. 6). According to the psalmist
the man is fulfilled when he radically avoids the ways of the wicked
and “delights in the Divine Precepts” which they “meditate tirelessly” (v. 2).
The notion of the Law refers here to the books of the Bible – that is the
written Word of God which the lives of the just are imbibed in and which
serves as the moral compass. God, in response to such a devoted attitude,
watches over the life of the righteous and provides for his needs. Psalm 1
serves as an encouragement to read the Bible and to meditate upon the will
of God which is found on its pages. This is the way to achieve the ultimate
happiness which the man can be experienced in the intimate union with
God both on Earth and in the World to come.