BLESSED IS THE MAN

To be 'blessed' means to be in a right relationship with God so that you experience fulfillment and deep personal satisfaction. According to Scripture, it is not based on circumstance, nor is it just a stagnant state of well-being. 

Blessedness comes by 'doing' certain things and (as we see in the following verse) ... 'not doing' other things. 

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,

Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; Psalm 1:1

A believer is never idle. If you are not spiritually moving forward, you will spiritually regress (subject to three decending degrees of conduct) ... 

1. Walking in 'the counsel of the ungodly':  

Worldly wisdom focuses on pleasing 'self' above all else. It denies the existence of moral absolutes, taps into man's prideful nature, and rejects the need to be forgiven. 

2. Standing in 'the path of sinners':

This wide road leads to destruction and runs opposite the direction set forth by God's Word. To associate with unbelievers is to open oneself to temptation and risk adopting their sinful behavior. 

3. Sitting in 'the seat of the scornful': 

It is to be comfortable and content to remain with those who not only reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ but blatantly scoff at its premise. Colluding with them weakens what was once steadfast in your heart and mind.

Observe the progression. Worldly wisdom leads to worldly action, which results in worldly fellowship.

a) Thinking

b) Behaving 

c) Belonging

Blessed is the man who avoids this crippling sequence.