The first Psalm shows very clearly the difference between the righteous and the wicked. For leaders, this is a fascinating passage to reflect on regarding the Law of the Inner Circle. They must carefully consider from whom they seek and accept counsel.
Psalm 1:1 makes clear what happens when a leader follows a wicked inner circle:
- The leader seeks the wrong counsel.
- The leader begins listening to the wrong voices.
- The leader builds a wrong inner circle around themselves.
Psalm 1:2 makes clear what happens when a leader follows a righteous inner circle. They meditate on the law of the Lord day and night and delight in it. This means the leader tests themselves against the word of God, compares their experiences with the word of God, and then evaluates them for themselves. Psalm 1:3 shows very clearly the good fruit of this practice:
- Stability. They are like a tree ...
- Renewal. ... planted by rivers of water ...
- Productivity & fruitfulness. ... that brings forth its fruit ...
- Strength & longevity. ... whose leaf does not wither ...
- Success. ... and whatever they do prospers.
Psalm 1
The Way of the Righteous and the Way of the Wicked
1 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.
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 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.
4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
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