The First Psalm
The First Psalm - meaning Summary
Righteousness Rewarded, Wicked Punished
Burns presents a simple moral contrast: a godly, humble person enjoys stability and blessing, while the wicked are uprooted and cast down. The poem frames righteous behaviour as walking away from the ways and pride of the wicked and walking "before his God" with humility. Natural imagery—trees by streamlets versus rootless stubble—illustrates flourishing versus destruction. The closing lines link divine favor to inner peace for the good and a lack of true blessing for the wicked, offering a compact didactic message about conduct and its consequences.
Read Complete AnalysesThe man, in life where-ever plac'd, Hath happiness in store, Who walks not in the wicked's way, Nor learns their guilty lore! Nor from the seat of scornful Pride Casts forth his eyes abroad, But with humility and awe Still walks before his God. That man shall flourish like the trees Which by the streamlets grow; The fruitful top is spread on high, And firm the root below. But he whose blossom buds in guilt Shall to the ground be cast, And like the rootless stubble tost, Before the sweeping blast. For why? That God the good adore Hath giv'n them peace and rest, But hath decreed that wicked men Shall ne'er be truly blest.
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