Two Choices (Psalm 1)

Are there basically two choices in life, bringing forth either good fruit or worthless dust; two gates, leading to either life or destruction? What do we choose? Let’s look at Psalm 1.

Whether he walks, stands or sits, what is the end result of a life of obedience to God’s teachings? Is there a right kind of meditation, one that thinks about God’s instructions day and night?

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. (Ps 1:1-2 NKJV)

Though we may suffer in this life, is there a general heading for those who strive to do the right thing?

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. (Ps 1:3 NLT)

Though the wicked may prosper materially for a time, will justice eventually come to them in the judgment?

The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. (Ps 1:4-5 WEB)

Does this Psalm contain a broad outline of two ways and their ultimate destinations?

The Lord is intimately acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked is destroyed. (Ps 1:6 CEB)

Did Jesus basically describe the two choices in the sermon on the mount? Which choice is less popular?

Go in through the narrow gate. The gate to destruction is wide, and the road that leads there is easy to follow. A lot of people go through that gate. But the gate to life is very narrow. The road that leads there is so hard to follow that only a few people find it. (Mat 7:13-14 CEV)

Is there a tree planted by a river that pictures the eternity granted to those who choose the right path?

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. (Rev 22:1-3 ESV)

Are there basically two choices in life, bringing forth either good fruit or worthless dust; two gates, leading to either life or destruction? What do we choose? You decide!