Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water,which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3)

We are blessed, happy, and make progress when we do not listen to bad advice, do not choose the wrong direction, and when we do not sit and scoff as a lilyth.

The Hebrew lilyth is rich with multiple meanings. It is a desert owl, haunting in its screech, seeming to mock anyone unfortunate enough to be lost in the wilderness.

Lilyth is a Sumerian demon, referenced in Gilgamesh and in other ancient texts. She is usually serpent-like and often sexually alluring. When healthy babies died in their cradles, Lilyth was blamed.

In some Jewish mythology Lilyth is a female created prior to Eve and, perhaps, returning as the serpent tempting Eve with the knowledge of good and evil. She seduces both men and women into spiritual deserts.

The Medieval Rabbi Jacob Ha-Kohen wrote that Lilyth's intention is never good and she is constantly trying to incite jealously, envy, and war.

Surely we are not to be a lilyth.

Instead we are to delight in - chephats to move or bend down toward - the instruction of God. The Hebrew can suggest dancing with God. We are to dance, and dance, and dance.

Above is Lilith by Anselm Kiefer. To the left is Lilyth as the serpent from Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. More background on Lilyth is available from Alan Humm at the University of Pennsylvania.