In Psalm one, verse one serves as an introduction to the entire book of Psalms. It contrasts the only two kinds of people recognized by God, each with a distinct set of principles. The godly characterization is by righteousness, love, obedience to God’s will, and separation from fellowship with the world, as in verses one and two. However, the ungodly represent the ways and counsel of the world, who do not abide in God’s Word for guidance, who are cynical about God and mockers of that which is holy, and who consequently have no part in the assembly of God’s people, as in verses four through five.
The lives of those who delight in God and His Word have a root system that draws life from God and prospers. The ungodly are like chaff blown away in the winds of God’s judgments: they have no part in God’s kingdom, as in First Corinthians six, verse nine, and will perish, as in verse six of this chapter. The separation between these two kinds of people will exist throughout redemptive history and into eternity.
The first verse of the book of Psalms emphasizes the distinction between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous live according to God’s Word through their lifestyle, social circle, and the delightful things they encounter. No person can experience God’s blessing without turning from harmful or destructive associations to becoming rooted and established with God’s Word. Only then are they “like a tree planted by the rivers of water,” as in verse three.
Blessed is the person who comes from the way of the righteous section of Psalms one. The unrighteous are the opposite, who choose not to serve God but someone or something else. The old saying “opposite attract” does not bode well with the believers and unbelievers. There will be some interest, especially male-female, and vice versa. However, after time passes, the unbeliever will sense the difference spiritually because the inner person of the ungodly will suspect indifference and not towards the godly due to what they possess within.
The reality is light and darkness do not mix well. However, eventually, one will tolerate or compromise with the other, although it may feel uncomfortable. The uneasiness will depend on how deep the unbeliever’s darkness is, and similarly to the believer’s light, how bright? One will not stand the other and will keep their distance. Some will interact depending on the leading of the Holy Spirit operating through the believer to help the soul lost in darkness.