Paraphrase of the First Psalm
written in 1781
Paraphrase of the First Psalm - fact Summary
Paraphrase of Psalm I
This poem is Robert Burns’s vernacular paraphrase of the Biblical First Psalm. It restates Psalm 1’s central contrast between the righteous and the wicked: the godly man delights in humility and walks before God, flourishing like trees by water, while the guilty are cast down like stubble. Burns adapts the biblical message into plain, accessible language and pastoral imagery, reflecting both his religious beliefs and his interest in shaping scriptural material for a Scottish readership.
Read Complete AnalysesThe man, in life wherever 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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