Many years ago, we took a group of children to see a large tree beside a stream. The water was clear, and we could see the roots growing down into the water. It was a powerful illustration of verse 3 in this psalm. 

The anonymous author begins this psalm by contrasting the faithful with the faithless. How he longs to see people avoiding the wicked (v 1) and delighting in the law of the Lord, rather than the law of mankind (v 2)! Then he offers practical advice – be like trees planted beside a stream. We’re told we will prosper and flourish if we let our ‘roots’ grow deep into his Word (vs 2,3). We need to trust and obey what God teaches us through the Bible, so that we can stand firm and not be swayed from the truth when the wind blows (v 4). I’m reminded of a friend who was tempted to have an affair. She was able to resist, because the words of Psalm 119:11 came to mind: ‘I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you’. 

Over this past week, through the written word in Matthew’s Gospel, we have encountered Jesus, the living Word. It’s his power and authority that enable us to be like trees by a stream, with roots growing deep. 

‘How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!’¹

The book of Psalms opens by declaring the blessing that flows from a life immersed in God’s teaching. While ‘law’ (v 2) can refer to specific legal instructions, here it’s more likely to refer to Scripture generally, as it illuminates God’s wisdom and provides guidance for living.² The psalmist depicts the flourishing that emanates from choosing to learn from God, rather than from those who have no regard for God’s teaching (vs 1–3).

The psalm sharply distinguishes ‘the wicked’ and ‘the righteous’ (vs 1,4,5,6). You might wonder if you are in the ‘wicked’ camp if you miss a day’s Bible study, but that would be to misinterpret the psalm’s purpose. It doesn’t set out to encourage legalism, or to demonise those whose desire to read and study the Bible is thwarted by life’s circumstances. Equally, it doesn’t necessarily mean that God can never use non-biblical sources to communicate wisdom. Rather, this distinction is a rhetorical device intended to emphasise how vital – and wonderful – it is to dwell on God’s Word. The tree flourishes because it is deliberately planted beside irrigation channels (v 3): equally, if we intentionally soak ourselves in Scripture we can expect to grow in wisdom and understanding. If we neglect Scripture, over time we will become spiritually dry and uncertain (v 4).

Assertions of God’s blessing (v 1) lead us to wonder: what about the righteous who suffer or the wicked who seem to lead blessed lives? Other psalms will address these questions. This psalm affirms the fundamental truth that living in connection with the one who gives life is itself the means of blessing. God watches over the way of the righteous. Do you need to remind yourself that you are known and loved by God?

When you read the Bible, linger on a phrase or word that you feel drawn to. Remember it during the day.

¹ Ps 119:103  ² James L Mays, Psalms (Interpretation commentary), John Knox Press, 1994, p41