True happiness is the theme of this psalm, whose author is unnamed. The negative side of true happiness is stated (Psalms 1:1), and then the positive (Psalms 1:2). Its reward follows (Psalms 1:3). Its nature and value are emphasized by a sharp contrast. Such a man is godly, his opposite ungodly (Psalms 1:4). The first is marked by stability, the second by instability (Psalms 1:4). The first has endless fruitfulness and blessing, the second has nothing and worse than nothing (Psalms 1:5), for he cannot be acquitted at the judgment day. The secret of it all is found in Jehovah (Psalms 1:6). The psalm is a summary of the whole book, and is appropriately placed at the beginning as a sort of preface.
