Bible Strands
Psalms 1:6
For the LORD guards the path of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist closes the opening poem by contrasting the final outcomes of two groups. The speaker addresses the community to explain why the righteous endure divine scrutiny while the wicked do not.
The words — The Hebrew יוֹדֵ֣עַ (yo.de.a') literally means "knowing," forming the phrase יְ֭הוָה יוֹדֵעַ to state the LORD knows the righteous path. The verb תֹּאבֵֽד (to.Ved) translates as "it will perish," describing the inevitable fate of the wicked way.
The thread — This structural contrast between divine knowledge and the destruction of the wicked appears in Proverbs 15:9 and is referenced in 2 Timothy 2:19 regarding God knowing those who belong to Him. John 10:14 extends the concept of divine knowing to the relationship between the shepherd and his flock.
Why it lands — The text states that the LORD actively guards the righteous path while the wicked path faces destruction. It requires a reader to align themselves with the guarded way to avoid the stated outcome of perishing.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Cross-references
- 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”
- Proverbs 15:9 The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but He loves those who pursue righteousness.
- John 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep and My sheep know Me,
- Nahum 1:7 The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.
- Psalms 37:18 The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their inheritance will last forever.
- John 10:27 My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.
- Psalms 146:9 The LORD protects foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and the widow, but the ways of the wicked He frustrates.
- Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
- Psalms 139:1 For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
- Matthew 7:13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.