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True Happiness in God’s Law
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1Blessed is the man who does not walk
in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the way#The way: a common biblical term for manner of living or moral conduct (Ps 32:8; 101:2, 6; Prv 2:20; 1 Kgs 8:36). of sinners,
nor sit in company with scoffers.#Ps 26:4–5; 40:5.
2Rather, the law of the Lord#The law of the Lord: either the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, or, more probably, divine teaching or instruction. is his joy;
and on his law he meditates day and night.#Jos 1:8; Ps 119; Sir 39:1.
3He is like a tree#Ps 52:10; 92:13–15; Jer 17:8.
planted near streams of water,
that yields its fruit in season;
Its leaves never wither;
whatever he does prospers.
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4But not so are the wicked,#The wicked: those who by their actions distance themselves from God’s life-giving presence. not so!
They are like chaff driven by the wind.#Ps 35:5; 83:14–16; Jb 21:18.
5Therefore the wicked will not arise at the judgment,
nor will sinners in the assembly of the just.
6Because the Lord knows the way of the just,#Ps 37:18.
but the way of the wicked leads to ruin.