1Happy are those who reject the advice of evil people, who do not follow the example of sinners or join those who have no use for God. 2Instead, they find joy in obeying the Law of the LORD, and they study it day and night. 3They are like trees that grow beside a stream, that bear fruit at the right time, and whose leaves do not dry up. They succeed in everything they do. 4But evil people are not like this at all; they are like straw that the wind blows away. 5 Sinners will be condemned by God and kept apart from God's own people. 6The righteous are guided and protected by the LORD, but the evil are on the way to their doom.

Reflect

What do you think "the Law of the LORD" meant to the psalmist and his audience? What does this phrase mean to you? Why does studying the Law lead to joy and success? What does it mean to "study" the Law?

Pray

Lord God, help and shelter those who love your ways, and turn sinners away from the path of destruction. Make us like strong and healthy trees. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those who sneer at God and justice