The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
We have now come to the second head of the Psalm. In this verse the contrast of the ill estate of the wicked is employed to heighten the coloring of that fair and pleasant picture which precedes it. The more forcible translation of the Vulgate and of the Septuagint version is — "Not so the ungodly, not so." And we are hereby to understand that...
The wicked are like chaff without root below or fruit above, devoid of all vigour and life, utterly worthless and unstable, prey to the slightest breeze. Yet their inner worthlessness draws a righteous inference: they cannot stand in God's judgment, that recompense which examines each individual's whole life. When God separates what is now hidden, the unrighteous shall be driven away like chaff before the storm.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 1:4-6
This Psalm stands at the head like a preface to teach the godly that their blessedness lies in meditating upon God's law. The impious may strut about in their folly, but they shall come to a miserable end; it is those who pursue heavenly wisdom who are truly blessed.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 1:1-6