Psalm 1 may appear simplistic and naïve to modern readers. It seems to divide humanity into two distinct classes whose fates can be easily distinguished. But we are unfair to psalms if we presume they provide a full, accurate report of current circumstances. A psalm is not a newspaper article. A psalm of instruction, for example, seeks to correct improper attitudes and so offers an alternative perspective, referring to aspects of reality that are not so obvious (e.g., that the wicked will ultimately be judged). It does not describe mere observable reality; instead, it teaches God’s prescribed ordering of life. And it does so by presenting us with two character profiles: the righteous and the wicked (see further the Introduction on temple entry psalms). We are thus challenged to ask ourselv…