Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly

Blessed is the man who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stood in the way of sinners, * nor sat in the chair of pestilence.

But his will is in the law of the Lord, * and on his law he shall meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree which is planted near the running waters, * which shall bring forth its fruit, in due season.

And his leaf shall not fall off: * and all whatsoever he shall do shall prosper.

Not so the wicked, not so: * but like the dust, which the wind driveth from the face of the earth.

Therefore the wicked shall not rise again in judgment: * nor sinners in the council of the just.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the just: * and the way of the wicked shall perish.

This text came from **Psalm 1** of the Bible, which is a wisdom psalm. It contrasts the way of the righteous and the wicked. Here's a brief explanation of the verses:

- The **righteous** are described as those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the company of mockers. Instead, they delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on it day and night. They are compared to a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever they do prospers.

- The **wicked**, however, are not so. They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore, they will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

- The Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

This psalm serves as an introduction to the entire Book of Psalms, emphasizing the blessings for those who follow God's law and the doom for those who do not. It encourages readers to continue in righteousness and avoid the path of wickedness.