Single lesson
Psalm 1: The Two Paths
Psalms 1:1–6
Psalm 1 presents two contrasting ways of life using poetic images. It shows the blessed person turning from wicked influence, delighting in Yahweh’s law, and ending in a very different place from the wicked.
Before you teach
This passage is a psalm, so it teaches through poetry, contrast, and comparison rather than story. It moves from the blessed person’s choices in Psalms 1:1-2, to the picture of a fruitful tree in Psalms 1:3, then to the wicked as chaff and the final contrast between two ways in Psalms 1:4-6.
Describe the central teaching of Psalm 1: The Two Paths, using two details from the reading. Psalm 1 teaches that delighting in Yahweh’s law belongs to the way of the righteous, while the way of the wicked does not endure.
Welcome: Psalm 1: The Two Paths
4 minIntroduce “The Two Paths” and locate Psalms 1:1–6. Psalm 1 teaches that delighting in Yahweh’s law belongs to the way of the righteous, while the way of the wicked does not endure. Invite each learner to name a detail or question they will listen for.
Psalms 1:1, Psalms 1:4, Psalms 1:6
Read and explain the passage
8 minThe psalm begins with blessing on the person who does not walk, stand, or sit with the wicked, sinners, and scoffers. In this poetry, those actions trace a pattern of sharing in their way. The verse contrasts the blessed person with people marked by wickedness and scoffing.
The person shaped by Yahweh’s law is compared to a tree planted by streams of water. The picture is of life that is supplied and fruitful. The tree bears fruit in its season, its leaf does not wither, and the psalm says whatever he does shall prosper.
The wicked are not like that tree. They are like chaff driven away by the wind. Therefore they shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. The psalm ends with two ways: Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.
Read the selected verses together, pausing at “The Two Paths”. Use the source reading below and check the explanation against the words of the passage.
Psalms 1:1, Psalms 1:3, Psalms 1:4, Psalms 1:5, Psalms 1:6
Discuss the details and their meaning
6 minUse the three questions below. Begin with “How does the psalm contrast the voices a person can follow?” and allow time to find the supporting verses. Psalm 1 teaches that delighting in Yahweh’s law belongs to the way of the righteous, while the way of the wicked does not endure. Ask learners to explain which details support their answer and to identify a question they would like to explore further.
Psalms 1:1, Psalms 1:2, Psalms 1:3, Psalms 1:5, Psalms 1:6
Make and respond: Words and images response sheet
9 minWork on “Psalm 1: The Two Paths: Words and images response sheet”. Follow the materials and steps below, using “The Two Paths” as reading headings. Each learner should include at least two accurate details and their verse references. Share one observation from the finished sheet and explain how it connects with the central teaching.
Psalms 1:1, Psalms 1:4, Psalms 1:6
Closing: return to The Two Paths
3 minRevisit Psalms 1:1–6. Invite a learner to summarise what the group has learned about The Two Paths and another to support the summary with a verse. Give learners a moment to complete their response sheet. They can share a question or, if appropriate for the group, join the optional prayer.
Psalms 1:1, Psalms 1:4, Psalms 1:6
Questions to explore
How does the psalm contrast the voices a person can follow?
Compare the counsel of the wicked with delighting in Yahweh’s law and meditating on it day and night.
Psalms 1:1, Psalms 1:2
What parts of the tree picture explain the life of the righteous person?
Notice the streams of water, fruit in season, leaves that do not wither, and the statement about prospering.
Psalms 1:3
What different endings do the righteous and the wicked receive?
Look at the judgment, the congregation of the righteous, Yahweh knowing one way, and the other way perishing.
Psalms 1:5, Psalms 1:6
Make, think or respond
Psalm 1: The Two Paths: Words and images response sheet
What you’ll need
- plain paper or card
- pencils or pens
- coloured pencils or crayons
Try it together
- Fold a sheet into three panels or draw three columns. Label them “A repeated word or image”, “Its verse reference”, “What it expresses”.
- Read Psalms 1:1–6. Use “The Two Paths” as your reading headings and add a short quotation or detail with its verse reference to each panel.
- Talk through your notes with an adult. Add a word, drawing or short quotation that helps you remember each part.
- Choose one image and add a short written response or a simple drawing. Explain how it connects with the passage.
The finished sheet keeps the details of Psalm 1: The Two Paths connected to their Bible references and gives the group a way to explain what they noticed.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, read the selected verses aloud, prepare the three panels and let them respond with drawings or a few words. Use The Two Paths as the retelling prompt.
- For older children, add verse references to the response sheet and explain a connection between The Two Paths and the final part of the reading.
An optional closing prayer
“God, help us listen carefully as we read Psalms 1:1–6. Help us understand what we have read, ask thoughtful questions and respond with care for others. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Psalms 1
1 Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but his delight is in Yahweh’s law. On his law he meditates day and night.
3 He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that produces its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever he does shall prosper.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.