Psalms 1:6

For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

For the LORD {H3068} knoweth {H3045} the way {H1870} of the righteous {H6662}: but the way {H1870} of the ungodly {H7563} shall perish {H6}.

For ADONAI watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is doomed.

For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

For Jehovah knoweth the way of the righteous; But the way of the wicked shall perish.

Psalms 1:6 (KJV) provides a powerful concluding statement to Psalm 1, succinctly summarizing the distinct destinies of two fundamental types of people: the righteous and the ungodly. It assures us of God's intimate knowledge and approval of those who follow His ways, while declaring the inevitable ruin of those who reject Him.

Context

This verse serves as the culmination of Psalm 1, which opens by describing the blessedness of the righteous man who delights in the law of the LORD (Psalm 1:2) and contrasts him with the ungodly, who are likened to "chaff which the wind driveth away" (Psalm 1:4). The entire psalm sets up a clear dichotomy between two ways of life and their ultimate outcomes, making verse 6 the definitive pronouncement of divine judgment and destiny.

Key Themes

  • Divine Oversight and Approval: The phrase "the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous" signifies more than mere intellectual awareness. It implies God's intimate acquaintance, personal care, and divine approval of the righteous path. God actively watches over, affirms, and guides those who live according to His will. This divine knowledge is a source of security and blessing for believers, contrasting sharply with the fate of the wicked.
  • The Certain Ruin of the Ungodly: In stark contrast, "the way of the ungodly shall perish." This speaks to the inevitable destruction or ruin that awaits those who live in opposition to God's standards. Their path, which may seem prosperous for a time, ultimately leads to a dead end, a spiritual and existential demise. This highlights the concept of divine justice and the consequences of sin.
  • Two Distinct Paths: The psalm, and particularly this verse, emphasizes that there are fundamentally only two paths in life: one leading to blessing and life under God's favor, and the other leading to destruction. There is no middle ground or third option; every individual walks one of these two ways. This echoes Jesus' teaching on the narrow and wide gates.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "knoweth" is yada', which often implies a deep, personal, and relational knowledge, not just factual information. When God "knows" the way of the righteous, it speaks to His intimate relationship, approval, and active involvement in their lives, similar to how He declares, "I never knew you" to those who practice lawlessness. Conversely, "perish" comes from the Hebrew 'avad, meaning to be lost, ruined, destroyed, or come to naught. It signifies a complete and utter failure, a permanent end to their way and its pursuit, distinct from the blessed, enduring path of the righteous.

Practical Application

Psalms 1:6 serves as both a comfort and a warning. For those striving to live righteously, it assures them that their efforts are seen and affirmed by God, and their ultimate destiny is secure in His care. It encourages perseverance in following God's commands, knowing that their path is divinely recognized and blessed. For those who may be tempted by the ways of the world or are living apart from God, it is a sober reminder of the inevitable consequences of choosing a path contrary to divine wisdom. It calls for introspection and a turning towards the "way, the truth, and the life" found in Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 2:19

    ¶ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

  • Proverbs 15:9

    ¶ The way of the wicked [is] an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.

  • John 10:14

    I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.

  • Nahum 1:7

    The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.

  • Psalms 37:18

    The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.

  • Psalms 37:24

    Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand.

  • Psalms 146:9

    The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
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