Biblical Separation - Lesson 2

By

Dr. Freeman Weems III

Using our prior material as to the real meaning of Biblical Separation, we view this Psalm as setting
forth the “beauty of holiness.” The truly happy, joyous – “Blessed” Christian is that one who has
separated himself unto the Savior. A lack of separation in the heart not only shows a weakness in the
person, but will also promise an unsettledness in the life of that believer. Consider the following notes
from the Geneva Bible, which was the forefather of our Authorized Version, 1:1 “Blessed is the man
that walketh not in the (a) counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the
seat of the scornful.

The Argument - This book of psalms is given to us by the Holy Spirit, to be esteemed as a precious
treasure in which all things are contained that bring to true happiness in this present life as well as in
the life to come. For the riches of true knowledge and heavenly wisdom, are here set open for us, to
take of it most abundantly. If we would know the great and high majesty of God, here we may see the
brightness of it shine clearly. If we would seek his incomprehensible wisdom, here is the school of the
same profession. If we would comprehend his inestimable bounty, and approach near to it, and fill our
hands with that treasure, here we may have a most lively and comfortable taste of it. If we would know
where our salvation lies and how to attain to everlasting life, here is Christ our Redeemer, and Mediator
most evidently described. The rich man may learn the true use of his riches. The poor man may find
full contentment. He who will rejoice will know true joy, and how to keep measure in it. They who are
afflicted and oppressed will see what their comfort exists in, and how they should praise God when he
sends them deliverance. The wicked and the persecutors of the children of God will see how the hand
of God is always against them: and though he permits them to prosper for a while, yet he bridles them,
so much so that they cannot touch a hair of ones head unless he permits them, and how in the end their
destruction is most miserable. Briefly here we have most present remedies against all temptations and
troubles of mind and conscience, so that being well practised in this, we may be assured against all
dangers in this life, live in the true fear and love of God, and at length attain the incorruptible crown of
glory, which is laid up for all who love the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(a) When a man has once given place to evil counsel, or to his own sin nature, he begins to forget
himself in his sin, and so falls into contempt of God, which is called the seat of the scorners.”

There are three outstanding verbs in verse one:

A) Walks not - occasional conformity

B) Stands not - fixed association

C) Sits not - established residence

These verbs show a downward progression or deterioration of the life. What starts small soon becomes
the norm and finally the standard for the life. The Bible says, “Be not deceived: evil communications
corrupt good manners.” (I Corinthians 15:33)

There is a double parallel in this Psalm:

FIRST

The Righteous are like a tree - planted

The Ungodly are like chaff - driven away

**Make much of this illustration.

The tree is an useful plant.

It has a purpose – it bears fruit.

It is not growing wild – it is planted.

The chaff is useless.

The chaff grows along with that grain that is good.

The day of separating the grain from the chaff is coming.

SECOND

The righteous are known of the Lord.

 The way of the ungodly shall perish.

The Tree

Planted by rivers of water

Has an unwithered leaf

Prospers in every direction

The Godly man

Delights in the Law of God - Direct reference to the Law of Moses, or the first five books of the Bible
as we know them.

Meditates in them day and night - not a mere theme of speculation or study, but a cherished object of
affection.

The Possessions of the Wicked:

The ungodly has his counsel

The sinner has his way

The scorner has his seat*

(Seat - the company; or the place where they convene)

Three types of lost people in Psalm One

Sinners – those who fall short of the standard of duty

Wicked, ungodly – Those who positively violate a rule by disorderly conduct

Scornful - those who treat religion with contempt