It must be remembered, however, that, as has been shown, the tropological or moral sense of Scripture is when those things which are written or read about Christ or the Saints are drawn to the moral instruction of individuals. For whatever was written about Christ, our head, was written for our instruction. Not only the things written about Christ but also those read about His saints must be drawn towards imitation, according to Augustine. Finally, it is most useful to understand Sacred Scripture tropologically, inasmuch as in this way, by commemorating or speaking of Christ and the Saints, we praise them so that what is written is applied to our own edification. And thus, by recognizing our own imperfection, we may grieve in a healthy way, and strive to imitate the perfection of those we praise.
Now, the tropological exposition of this psalm does not differ from the first, or literal exposition, except that just as the literal exposition teaches what has been done, this one instructs what must be done. And the sense is entirely the same, but it refers to different things. Hence, according to this sense, namely the tropological sense, Scripture says: 'Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked' (Psalm 1:1), to exhort and teach every believer not to consent to wicked counsels, not to stand in the way of sinners by acting wrongly, and not to sit in the seat of pestilence by giving a bad example or introducing false doctrine. In this way, all that follows must be read so that every devout person may turn and draw all to the spiritual instruction of his soul. For if what he says, reads, or hears pertains to the torments or abandonment of the wicked, he can conceive a holy fear, lest he also suffer similar things; or he may feel gratitude and be inflamed with love because, by God's mercy, he sees himself preserved from such things. Or he may feel a good sorrow if he considers that he has fallen into such evils for which he deserves to be tormented and abandoned. If, however, what he says or hears pertains to the perfection and blessedness of the just, he may be inspired to imitate it and strengthened in hope.
Thus, according to this sense, the devout person, the penitent, or any other may say: 'Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,' and in saying this, he should resolve never to assent to evil counsel; he should also repent of ever having consented to perverse counsels and pray to God that He may correct him in everything, to follow and consult holy counsels, as Tobias teaches: 'At all times bless God, and ask Him to direct your way, and may all your plans remain in Him' (Tobit 4:19). For we need to be enlightened and directed by the Holy Spirit's gift of counsel, so that we do not walk in the counsel of the wicked, as Wisdom says: 'Who among men can know the counsel of God? Or who can imagine what God wills? Unless you give wisdom and send your Holy Spirit from above' (Wisdom 9:13-17).
In this way, a person ought to shape his affection in everything that follows, according to the requirements of each word: just as when he says, 'And did not stand in the way of sinners,' he should resolve not to sin anymore, and grieve over the past evil he has done. When he says, 'And did not sit in the seat of pestilence,' he should resolve not to infect anyone, not to cause scandal, lest he lose the soul for whom Christ deigned to die. In the same way, when he says, 'But his delight is in the law of the Lord,' he should strive to cast away all distractions, withdraw his affection from earthly things, and direct all his desire to the observance of divine law. And to fulfill this, let him pay careful attention and strive with all his might to do what follows, 'And on His law, he meditates day and night' (Psalm 1:2). By saying this, let him cast out all fruitless and evil occupations of his mind and always work to fill his heart with divine meditations, as the Lord says: 'Take away the evil thoughts from your minds' (Isaiah 1:16).
Furthermore, while singing, 'And he will be like a tree planted by streams of water' (Psalm 1:3), let him pray and heartily desire to be like a good tree that bears good fruit, so that by living well, he may edify others by word and example, and not so much by speaking but by working, as the Lord's word is fulfilled: 'Let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven' (Matthew 5:16). While saying, 'And its leaf does not wither' (Psalm 1:3), let him resolve always to be modest and cautious in speaking. And when he adds, 'And whatever he does shall prosper,' (Psalm 1:3) let him desire to be numbered among those of whom the Apostle says: 'We know that all things work together for good for those who love God' (Romans 8:28).
From what follows, 'Not so the wicked, not so' (Psalm 1:4), let him be concerned that what is written about the wicked does not apply to him; but rather, by the judgment of discernment, let him rise from his sins and strive to remain in the counsel of the just."
This passage is a detailed reflection on the interpretation of Scripture, particularly the Psalms, focusing on the moral (tropological) sense and how one should internalize and apply the teachings to personal spiritual growth.
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