Psalms: Chapters 1 and 2

As many of the wisdom books don't require extensive footnotes...and because a little wisdom and praise never go amiss all our other studying...the wisdom books will be gradually introduced throughout the rest of our study. We'll be starting with Psalms. 

Chapter 1: True Happiness in God's Law

1   Blessed is the man who does not walk, in the counsel of the wicked, 
     Nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers.
2   Rather, the law of the LORD is his joy; and on his law he meditates day and night.
3   He is like a tree planted near streams of water, that yields its fruit in season;
     Its leaves never wither; whatever he does prospers.
4   But not so are the wicked, not so! They are like chaff driven by the wind.
5   Therefore the wicked will not arise at the judgment, nor will sinners in the assembly of the just.
6   Because the LORD knows the way of the just, but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.


Chapter 2: A Psalm for Royal Coronation

1    Why do the nations protest and the peoples conspire in vain?
2   Kings on earth rise up and princes plot together against the LORD and against his anointed one:
3   “Let us break their shackles and cast off their chains from us!”
4   The one enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord derides them,
5   Then he speaks to them in his anger, in his wrath he terrifies them:
6   “I myself have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.”
7   I will proclaim the decree of the LORD, he said to me, “You are my son; today I have begotten you.
8   Ask it of me, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, and, as your possession, the ends of the earth.
9   With an iron rod you will shepherd them, like a potter’s vessel you will shatter them.”
10   And now, kings, give heed; take warning, judges on earth.
11   Serve the LORD with fear; exult with trembling, Accept correction lest he become angry and you perish along the way
       when his anger suddenly blazes up. Blessed are all who take refuge in him!