Blessed is the Man

I. Introduction

A. The phrase “blessed is the man” occurs 13 times in the NKJV, 7 of these are in Psalms.

B. The concept of “blessed” is sometimes translated “happy”: it is not a description of a temporary emotional high but state of being that is content and joyful.

C. These passages connect blessing to specific attitudes and actions that draw the person to a closer relationship with God and a life that is holy and filled with good works.

D. We also see the one who is not blessed, or “happy” and the different attitude they have towards life and actions they take.

E. We are only going to look at four psalms but they represent what is said in all of the “blessed is the man” passages.

II. Psalm 34

A. Blessed is the man who trusts in God

1. David begins with an outburst of praise because God heard him in his time of trouble and delivered him from danger.
2. He generalizes from his personal deliverance to an observation how God saves even the poor man who trusts in Him and the general protection for His people.
3. Happy is the man who trusts that God will be there for him in the time of trial.
   • David, therefore, urges the faithful to put their trust in God and they will not be disappointed.
   • David encourages them to depart from evil and pursue good in word and deed.
   • “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of them all” and “His ears are open to their cry.”

B. Happy is the person who puts his life in God’s hands, trusts that he does hear him and will deliver him from trials and lives holy in the fear of the Lord.

III. Psalm 1

A. Blessed is the man who walks in God’s wisdom

1. In this Psalm the two lives are sharply contrasted.
2. The blessed man
   • He delights in God’s law and does not seek the advice or respect of scoffers, and does not associate closely with the wicked.
   • As a result, he has a strong foundation, is productive and prosperous, and has a relationship with God.
3. The ungodly man
   • Simply described as choosing an opposite approach to God’s word and enjoys the company of the ungodly, wicked, and scornful.
   • He has an unstable foundation, cannot survive the trials of judgment, and ultimately perish because they have no relationship with God.

B. So the happy, or blessed, person is one who builds his life on the foundation of God’s wise word and enjoys the peace, purpose, and prosperity that comes with wise living.

IV. Psalm 94

A. This psalm combines the ideas from Psalm 34 and 1: putting one’s life in God’s hands and walking in God’s wisdom.

B. The psalm opens with a call to punish the wicked who proudly boast against God and oppress others. They are described as fools who miss the wisdom of God.

C. The blessed man learns how to live from God’s law and is preserved from the evildoers who live a life destined for destruction.

V. Psalm 32

A. Blessed is the man whose sins are forgiven by God

1. The first two verses establish the foundation of the blessing or happiness: peace with God and freedom from guilt because God is not charging him with sin.
2. The next two verses recount the mental and physical pain caused by not confessing sin to God and not releasing it to God.
3. Finally, he comes to his senses, confesses his sin, and was forgiven.
4. The psalmist generalizes from this experience to a call to others seek the peace of a relationship with God.

B. Notice how this Psalm brings together all of the encouragements so far:

1. Allow God to teach you his way and not be dumb and rebellious like some animal that must be forcibly harnessed in order to be useful.
2. Trust in God so that mercy will surround you and your heart will be filled with joy and your mouth will express praise.
3. Confess your transgression to God and pray to him in the flood of sorrows and trouble, and dwell in the Lord.

VI. Do you want to be blessed, or happy?

A. Really trust in the Lord, and depend on Him in all areas of your life.

B. Learn God’s word and live it

C. Turn to God when you sin and enjoy the peace of His forgiveness