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.
(Psalm 1:1, KJV)
INTRO
Recently, I put together a spreadsheet that covers the “Blessed is the man” verses in the Bible, why the Bible says such a person is blessed, and what the Bible speaks of as being evident in the life of that person as a result.
I was encouraged by reading through these things myself and decided to make it into a Substack post for the encouragement of others.
Note that in my comments, I use the name “Jehovah” for the Old Testament verses where LORD is in all caps. LORD, in all caps, is how the Bible indicates to the reader that it is really God’s name (יהוה) in the original Hebrew text. The King James translators have translated this name into English as Jehovah in seven places,1 thus when we see “LORD”, we can also understand and read this as the name Jehovah in English.
VERSES
Here are the “blessed is the man” verses in the order that they appear in scripture:
PSALM 1:1-2
“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. But his delight is in the law of the LORD [Jehovah]; And in his law doth he meditate day and night.” (Psalm 1:1–2, KJV)
Why Blessed?
Does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly. (v12)
Does not stand in the way of sinners. (v1)
Does not sit in the seat of the scornful. (v1)
Delights in the law of Jehovah. (v23)
Meditates on His law [scripture]4 day and night. (v2)
Effect
He shall be like a tree planted by rivers of water that brings fruit forth in his season. (v35)
His leaf shall not wither. (v3)
Whatever he does shall prosper. (v3)
PSALM 32:2
“Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD [Jehovah] imputeth not iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile.” (Psalm 32:2, KJV)
Why Blessed?
He acknowledges his sin. (v56)
He does not hide his iniquity. (v5)
He confesses his transgressions. (v5)
Effect
His iniquity is not imputed. (v27)
There is no guile in his spirit. (v2)
Floods of great waters shall not come nigh unto him. (v68)
PSALM 34:8
“O taste and see that the LORD [Jehovah] is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” (Psalm 34:8, KJV)
Why Blessed?
Effect
He is delivered from his fears. (v4)
The angel of Jehovah encamps around him and delivers him. (v7)
He tastes and sees the goodness of Jehovah in his life. (v8)
PSALM 40:4
“Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD [Jehovah] his trust, And respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” (Psalm 40:4, KJV)
Why Blessed?
He waits patiently for Jehovah. (v112)
He trusts in Jehovah. (v413)
He does not respect the proud. (v4)
He does not respect those that turn aside to lies. (v4)
Effect
He is brought out of a horrible pit and the miry clay. (v214)
His feet are set upon a rock and his goings are established. (v2)
A new song of praise unto God is put in his mouth. (v315)
His life becomes a testimony that points others to trusting in Jehovah. (v3)
PSALM 65:4
“Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, And causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, Even of thy holy temple.” (Psalm 65:4, KJV)
Why Blessed?
He is chosen and caused by God to approach Him. (v416)
Effect
He may dwell in His courts. (v4)
He is satisfied with God’s goodness. (v4)
PSALM 84:5
“Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee; In whose heart are the ways of them.” (Psalm 84:5, KJV)
Why Blessed?
His strength is in God. (v517)
His heart is in the ways of them that dwell in His house and praise Him. (v4-518)
He walks uprightly. (v1119)
Effect
PSALM 84:12
“O LORD [Jehovah] of hosts, Blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (Psalm 84:12, KJV)
Why Blessed?
He trusts in God. (v1222)
Effect
See Psalm 84:5 comments above.
PSALM 94:12
“Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD [Jehovah], And teachest him out of thy law;” (Psalm 94:12, KJV)
Why Blessed?
Effect
He has rest from days of adversity. (v1325)
PSALM 112:1
“Praise ye the LORD [Jehovah]. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD [Jehovah], That delighteth greatly in his commandments.” (Psalm 112:1, KJV)
Why Blessed?
He fears Jehovah. (v126)
He delights in God’s commandments. (v1)
Effect
His offspring shall be blessed. (v227)
Wealth and riches are in his house. (v328) Consider true riches.29
His righteousness endures forever. (v3)
Light arises in his darkness. (v430)
He is gracious. (v4)
He is full of compassion. (v4)
He is righteous. (v4)
PROVERBS 8:34
“Blessed is the man that heareth me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors.” (Proverbs 8:34, KJV)
Why Blessed?
Effect
He finds life. (v3533)
He obtains the favor of Jehovah. (v35)
ISAIAH 56:2
“Blessed is the man that doeth this, And the son of man that layeth hold on it; That keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, And keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” (Isaiah 56:2, KJV)
Why Blessed?
He keeps his hand from doing any evil. (v2)
He keeps judgement. (v136)
He does justice. (v1)
Effect
He receives salvation. (v1)
He sees righteousness [of Christ37] revealed [in him]. (v1)
He is made joyful in prayer. (v738)
His sacrifices and offerings [as a life devoted to God39] are accepted [through Christ].40 (v7)
JEREMIAH 17:7
“Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD [Jehovah], and whose hope the LORD [Jehovah] is.” (Jeremiah 17:7, KJV)
Why Blessed?
He trusts in Jehovah. (v741)
Jehovah is his hope. (v7)
Effect
He is like a tree planted by water. (v842)
He does not see [fear] when heat comes. (v8)
He is not careful [anxious, full of care] in the year of drought. (v8)
He does not cease yielding fruit. (v8)
ROMANS 4:8
“Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” (Romans 4:8, KJV)
Why Blessed?
Paul quoting from Psalm 32, see above.
Effect
Paul quoting from Psalm 32, see above.
JAMES 1:12
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” (James 1:12, KJV)
Why Blessed?
He endures temptation. (v1243)
He is tried. (v12)
He loves Christ. (v12)
Effect
He receives the crown of life. (v12)
God Bless,
Charles
