Psalm 1:5
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
This verse continues from the preceding verse and it now gives the final verdict of the wicked. What will happen to the wicked on the final day? The verse pictures an idea of the court settings where one stands up to be tried or to receive a sentence. It is a frightening picture. The psalmist makes it clear that it will be a judgment day and the wicked will be separated from the righteous.
The subject of the winnowing mentioned in verse 4 is further elaborated in this verse. The wicked shall be condemned meaning that they shall have nothing to plead on their behalf. The phrase ´the congregation of the righteous refers to either Israel as opposed to the heathen or to faithful Israelites as opposed to the unfaithful Israelites who violated the covenant. The psalmist continues with his poetic device of contrasting the righteous with the unrighteous. Today, let us examine ourselves and see whether we will stand or fall before God´s throne.
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