Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of Psalms Chapter 1
Metaphysically Interpreting Psalms 1:1-6
1:1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor standeth in the way of sinners,
Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers:1:2But his delight is in the law of Jehovah;
And on his law doth he meditate day and night.1:3And he shall be like a tree planted by the streams of water,
That bringeth forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also doth not wither;
And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.1:4The wicked are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.1:5Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.1:6For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous;
But the way of the wicked shall perish.
August 4, 1940: Psalms 1:1-6
In what two ways is life considered in this lesson? It is considered first negatively, then constructively. The blessed man is he who does not conform to the ways of the world and who does not permit himself to be controlled by sense desires. Instead he follows the divine law, finding his joy in things of the Spirit.
What point is brought out in the the progressive action indicated by the words “walketh”, “standeth”, “sitteth”, and by “scoffers”, “the wicked”, “sinners”? The power of habit to determine character is here indicated. He who begins by walking “in the counsel of the wicked” (acting from unworthy motives) ends up sitting “in the seat of scoffers” (having a consciousness of distrust, scorn, and contempt).
What habit of life makes a man blessed? The habit of meditating on the divine law and of taking delight in it.
Why is meditation on the divine law (good) beneficial to man? Because under the law man becomes the out picturing of his thoughts; also because meditation leads to understanding.
In what way is the one who meditates on the divine law like “a tree planted by the streams of water”? The divine law supplies him with the mental and spiritual environment best suited to his growth and unfoldment in these fields. Thus he prospers and unfailingly fulfills his destiny.
In what respect are the wicked “not so”? Because they give no thought to the needs of the inner life the wicked lack the enduring substance of character, and being without consciousness of the divine, they are transitory.
What is the “the way of the righteous”? The chosen course of those whose desire is always to do right. The course of action that a man pursues with a definite aim in view is his “walk”.
July 3, 1949: Psalms 1:1-6
In what does blessedness largely consist? In being at peace with oneself, which is the state of the one who cultivates constructive habits of thinking.
How can we become constructive thinkers? By taking delight in the divine law and meditating on it continually.
What is the result of faithful meditation on the divine law? Understanding, which makes the mind fruitful “like a tree planted by the streams of water” and establishes it in the consciousness of prosperity.
What truth underlies the verse “The wicked are not so, But are like the chaff which the wind driveth away”? Only the good is eternal. Evil must therefore be dissipated as chaff before he wind. With all that is ephemeral “the wicked shall not stand in the judgment”.
What is meant by the words “Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous”? The way of the righteous is in harmony with divine law; therefore it stands out clearly in the light of divine wisdom, and everyone who is in that light is sure of his way.
Transcribed by Tracie Louise on 11-04-2013
