This psalm promises blessing for the one who delights in the Word of God. But the psalmist does not only offer this positive action, something to do –he also provides a negative, something from which to abstain. Blessed is the man who turns from the wicked’s advice, who avoids the sinners’ lifestyle, who removes himself from the scoffers’ presence. The child of God may read and love Scripture, but that is not enough. He cannot muddle its counsel with that of the world. Human emotion and subjectivity may say this dangerous mixture seems right and good, but it is impure –the world’s contribution is smattered, however subtly, with the dross of the Fall. It cannot be trusted. A dear friend –who is good and moral but not bearing the fruit of one who is truly redeemed– cannot be trusted. Even with the best of intentions, her counsel must ultimately be compared to the Word of God. How prevalent this combination of “Word-plus-world” is in the Church today! Too many members of the Body draw “wisdom” from Isaiah and Oprah, Paul and Dr. Phil, the Prophets and The View –and all receive an equal hearing. Sadly, the latter too often shapes the Bride’s worldview more than the former.
So let us humbly pursue truth from the Originator of truth, knowing we will never fully understand all things but that the blessing is in the seeking.
