That Man Is Blest Who, Fearing God

“That Man Is Blest Who, Fearing God” is a metrical rendering of Psalm 1, found in the New Metrical Version of the Psalms. As part of the psalm singing tradition, this hymn faithfully paraphrases Scripture, presenting a clear contrast between the righteous and the wicked.

The opening reflects Psalm 1:1, describing the blessed man who avoids the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit in the seat of the scornful. This progression highlights the danger of gradual compromise and the importance of maintaining a life set apart for God.

The hymn emphasizes delight in the law of the Lord, echoing Psalm 1:2. The righteous person meditates on God’s Word continually, making it the foundation of life. This idea is reinforced in Jeremiah 17:7–8, where the one who trusts in the Lord is compared to a tree planted by waters, flourishing even in difficult conditions.

Psalm 1:3 provides the central image of the hymn, portraying the godly as a fruitful and stable tree planted by rivers of water. This symbolizes spiritual vitality, endurance, and blessing that come from a life rooted in God’s truth.

In contrast, the wicked are described as chaff driven by the wind, reflecting Psalm 1:4. This image conveys instability, emptiness, and ultimate judgment. The hymn underscores that the ungodly will not stand in the judgment, as stated in Psalm 1:5.

The teaching of Jesus in Matthew 7:24–27 parallels this message, where the wise man builds his house upon the rock by hearing and obeying God’s Word. The foolish, like the chaff, lack foundation and cannot endure.

“That Man Is Blest Who, Fearing God” serves as both instruction and exhortation. It calls believers to a life grounded in Scripture, separated from sin, and rooted in trust in the Lord. At the same time, it warns of the fleeting and unstable nature of the wicked, urging all to choose the path of righteousness that leads to life.