Proverbs 12:3
A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Original Language Analysis
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִכּ֣וֹן
shall not be established
H3559
יִכּ֣וֹן
shall not be established
Strong's:
H3559
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
אָדָ֣ם
A man
H120
אָדָ֣ם
A man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 8
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Proverbs 10:25As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.Ephesians 3:17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,Proverbs 12:12The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.Colossians 2:7Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.Psalms 15:5He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.1 Samuel 25:33And blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.
Historical Context
Agricultural imagery familiar to ancient Israel - trees with deep roots withstood storms that toppled shallow-rooted plants. Applied to human life, character determines stability.
Questions for Reflection
- What are you establishing your life upon - wickedness or righteousness?
- How deep are your 'roots' in righteous character to withstand life's storms?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. Wickedness provides no stable foundation - it cannot establish secure existence. Righteousness provides deep roots ensuring stability against storms. The root imagery emphasizes both invisibility (character) and stability (endurance). What's established by wickedness will fall; what's rooted in righteousness will stand.