Open the book of Psalms and the first thing you read is a choice.

Two ways.

The way of the one who delights in the Great King’s covenantal instructions, the Torah.

Or the one who walks with the wicked.

The blessed man meditates on the Torah day and night.

He is like a tree planted by rivers of water, rooted near the Great King’s provision, bearing fruit in its season, whose leaf does not wither (Psalm 1:3). Covenant loyalty produces flourishing the way a well-watered tree produces fruit.

The wicked are like chaff, no root in the Great King’s provision, scattered by the wind of covenant consequence.

Psalm 1 comes first because it sets the terms for everything that follows. Love the Great King’s covenantal instruction (the Torah) and flourish. Walk away from the covenant and wither like chaff in the wind.