Psalm 1-The Two Ways

Happy indeed are those*
    who follow not the counsel of the wicked,
nor linger in the way of sinners*
    nor sit in the company of scorners,
but whose delight is the law of the LORD*
    and who ponder God’s law day and night.

They are like a tree that is planted*
    beside the flowing waters,
that yields its fruit in due season*
    and whose leaves shall never fade;
and all that they do shall prosper.*
    Not so are the wicked, not so!

For they like winnowed chaff*
    shall be driven away by the wind.
When the wicked are judged they shall not stand,*
    nor find room among those who are just;
for the LORD guards the way of the just*
    but the way of the wicked leads to doom.


Alleluia! Sing praise to the LORD who is good;*
    sing to our God who is loving;
    to God our praise is due.

The LORD builds up Jerusalem*
    and brings back Israel's exiles,
God heals the broken-hearted,*
    and binds up all their wounds.
God fixes the number of the stars;*
    and calls each one by its name.

Our LORD is great and almighty;*
    God’s wisdom can never be measured.
The LORD raises the lowly;*
    and humbles the wicked to the dust.
O sing to the LORD, giving thanks;*
    sing psalms to our God with the harp.

God covers the heavens with clouds;*
    and prepares the rain for the earth,
making mountains sprout with grass*
    and with plants to serve our needs.
God provides the beasts with their food*
    and the young ravens when they cry.

God takes no delight is in horses’ power,*
    nor pleasure in warriors' strength.
The LORD delights in those who revere him,*
    in those who wait for his love.