“Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.” Proverbs 12:3 NLT
This Proverb is definitely a puzzle to be solved, a riddle that requires thought and comparison to other Biblical truths and principles. The wisdom writer seems to be focusing on one particular object lesson in this saying – the tree. With the words “deep roots,” we get a picture of the gigantic oak, or better, the olive tree, that is strong and sturdy because it sits beside a deep and abiding stream of water. Like a tree planted by the stream, the Psalmist declared.
Contrarily, like a sapling that is never satisfied, the wicked go wandering looking for something better. It craves for the results of depth and permanence, but grows impatient or bored with its surroundings. The wicked want more, or different, or something they just can’t get a hold of. And in desperation, that longing, they move away from the place of permanence, to seek satisfaction. One commentator wrote, “Though men may advance themselves by sinful arts, they cannot settle and secure themselves. But those who by faith are rooted in Christ, are firmly fixed. Another, “Man is metaphorically compared to a tree, especially the olive. Wickedness gives him no firm hold for growth or life.” The shallow search yields constant movement, the thrill of change, but no chance for good fruit to be borne.
If our life is compared to a shallow sapling tree, the end result is not just death or emptiness, but also no legacy. This would drive humans to despair. Not just to look back and find emptiness, a life wasted on the search for meaning or just “more.” But also realizing there was nothing notable of your life to be remembered by.
Proverbs gives these warnings to the young, so they might think about the seriousness of such matters BEFORE they hop around and never find nor live the deep life. If you have moved so often, physically or relationally or emotionally, take wisdom’s advise. Find a stream (a community), find a solid spot by the living water (relationship with Jesus), stay put and establish deep friendships that nourish and restore. Then you will be a Psalms 1:3 person. “They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.”
Prayer
Dad,
Psalm 19 comes to mind when I think about your ways, your instructions, “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” I remember the song based on these verses. That your laws are to be be desired MORE than gold, even the purest of gold. And, they are sweeter than honey straight from the honeycomb. I know that I know, that I know, your word is life – the fulfillment of everything I have ever wanted. You, and your word, is enough, I need not search further.