Psalm 1 - God's Advice Column
According to Wikipedia, "Dear Abby" is an advice column that first appeared in 1956; the founder was Pauline Esther. Her pen name was Abigail Van Buren. Abigail founded the column a few months after her twin sister Esther Pauline took over as a writer of the "Ask Ann Landers" column. This was sibling rivalry akin to Jacob and Esau and resulted in estrangement between the two sisters.
The Book of Psalms opens up with a metaphorical advice column with David believed to be its contributing writer. Unlike the many dedicated readers of the "Dear Abby" and "Ask Ann Landers" columns, Psalm 1 instructs us to look into the Word of God for godly advice. We are not to be casual readers of the Bible, we are to meditate - chew on it like a cow chews the cud. What exactly does that mean? Cows regurgitate partially digested food back into their mouths, then chew it and swallow it again. Not a very pleasant imagery, but that's what it means to meditate on God's Word. We study it, digest it, call it back up again, study it some more and place it back on the inside of us.
The beginning of the writer's advice to us is about where NOT to go for advice (among the ungodly, sinners and mockers). Have you ever found yourself following advice from someone on TikTok or YouTube about matters that are essential to a happy life (marriage, finance, children, careers choices)? Consider the source, because Psalm 1 is clear that the path of the ungodly and sinners leads to utter destruction. Whereas the path of the one who seeks God's will and His way, leads to a life that flourishes and prospers in every area.
We are asked by to "Follow" social media influencers, celebrities, religious and non-profit organizations, schools and businesses among others. Have we stopped to consider whose path we are walking on. Whose place are we standing in? And who are we sitting among and being taught by? The Bible should be our primary source for advice on living; however, we can also seek out people who have healthy leaves and good fruit on display - a sign of a well-watered tree (a symbol of life).
Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew Chapter 7 verses 17-20, "Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." Look at the tree before you eat of its fruit. In other words, heeding advice from ungodly and sinful people is akin to eating rotten fruit. Conversely, fruit (words of advice) from a tree rooted in God and His Word will bring nourishment in the form of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Father, thank you for your Word, the only advice column I need to live a long and prosperous life. Grant me discernment when I seek advice from others so that I may distinguish a good tree from a bad tree. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
The Book of Psalms opens up with a metaphorical advice column with David believed to be its contributing writer. Unlike the many dedicated readers of the "Dear Abby" and "Ask Ann Landers" columns, Psalm 1 instructs us to look into the Word of God for godly advice. We are not to be casual readers of the Bible, we are to meditate - chew on it like a cow chews the cud. What exactly does that mean? Cows regurgitate partially digested food back into their mouths, then chew it and swallow it again. Not a very pleasant imagery, but that's what it means to meditate on God's Word. We study it, digest it, call it back up again, study it some more and place it back on the inside of us.
The beginning of the writer's advice to us is about where NOT to go for advice (among the ungodly, sinners and mockers). Have you ever found yourself following advice from someone on TikTok or YouTube about matters that are essential to a happy life (marriage, finance, children, careers choices)? Consider the source, because Psalm 1 is clear that the path of the ungodly and sinners leads to utter destruction. Whereas the path of the one who seeks God's will and His way, leads to a life that flourishes and prospers in every area.
We are asked by to "Follow" social media influencers, celebrities, religious and non-profit organizations, schools and businesses among others. Have we stopped to consider whose path we are walking on. Whose place are we standing in? And who are we sitting among and being taught by? The Bible should be our primary source for advice on living; however, we can also seek out people who have healthy leaves and good fruit on display - a sign of a well-watered tree (a symbol of life).
Consider the words of Jesus in Matthew Chapter 7 verses 17-20, "Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." Look at the tree before you eat of its fruit. In other words, heeding advice from ungodly and sinful people is akin to eating rotten fruit. Conversely, fruit (words of advice) from a tree rooted in God and His Word will bring nourishment in the form of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Father, thank you for your Word, the only advice column I need to live a long and prosperous life. Grant me discernment when I seek advice from others so that I may distinguish a good tree from a bad tree. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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