Psalms 1:1-6 - Homilies By W. Forsyth

Character.

This psalm supplies us with—

I. TEST OF CHARACTER . A man is known by the company he keeps. What doest thou, O my soul? With whom dost thou "walk" and "sit' ( Psalms 119:63 )?

II. RULE OF LIFE . What should we do? Surely the right thing is to ask counsel of God, and to submit ourselves to his holy and blessed rule. Let us do this, and we shall not only have life ( Psalms 40:8 ), but food ( John 4:44 ); and not only food, but society ( Matthew 12:50 ); and not only society, but education ( Psalms 143:10 ); and not only education, but joy unspeakable and full of glory ( Psalms 119:65 ; 1 Peter 1:8 ). "He that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" ( 1 John 2:16 , 1 John 2:17 ).

III. FORESHADOWING OF DESTINY . Acts fix habits, habits settle character, and character determines destiny. "The wind" may represent the various trials which meet us, and which so far show what we are and whither we are going. By conscience, by public opinion, by experience of the results of conduct, we am premonished of the coming end and the perfect judgment of God. Thus, not in an arbitrary way, but by our own deeds and life, our destiny for weal or woe is being settled. Eternity is the harvest of time. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."—W.F.