In life, we are often told that our actions, thoughts and behaviors have no consequences. That is to say that they are of little cosmic importance. This is bolstered by the concept that we are mere machines made of matter. That there is no morality, no truth, and certainly no judgment. We are told, in irony, that we are both, creatures of pure will and also creatures of pure instinct. The book of Psalms starts by speaking of man and his relationship to the universe. It states that man is going to be judged for his life. He must have faith in the godly, be industrious and be sober. These behaviors are important facets to finding joy in life and they will see a man prosper. Beyond this, they place your path under God’s protection. He will care for you and tend for you. As opposed to a path of sin, where one strays into vanity, laziness and mockery, the godly man will prevail as a tree. This metaphor speaks of a plant whose exposed parts are girded by a deep and sprawling root system that tethers it to the life giving river below. We are told that this tether is created in constant focus on the ideas of God in his word, rather than the ideas of the godless. It is an important prologue and orientation to the book of psalms and life’s important themes.