The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.  (Psalm 1:4-6 ESV)

Job observed that the wicked are like “chaff that the storm carries away” (21:18).  Chaff is defined as “the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain.” It is the part one does not eat.  It is useless.  Here in Psalm 1 the wicked are once again described as chaff. Chaff has no life in it — an empty shell of sorts.  So it is with the person who does not have the new birth (John 3:3).  They have never had that personal experience with Jesus Christ of being born again.  This imagery of the wicked like chaff is also referred to in Psalm 35:5 and Hosea 13:3.

The psalmist gives a very sobering outlook for the non-believer:

  • they will not stand in the (future) judgment.
  • they will not stand along side the righteous (believers).
  • the way of the wicked will perish.

Dear reader, the truth of God’s Word is sure.  Today is the day of salvation.  Repent and believe — receive “new life!”  One day Christ will return as Judge.  To remain in your current state, without Christ as Savior, will result in judgment and eternal punishment (Revelation 20:11-15).  Jesus made escape possible by dying on an old rugged cross for you!  He loves you.  So much that He died for you.  Receive Him today (Romans 10:9-13)!