Psalm 1:3
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.
He is like a tree
The imagery of a tree is a powerful symbol in biblical literature, representing life, growth, and stability. In Hebrew, the word for tree is "עֵץ" (etz), which is often used to signify strength and endurance. Trees are deeply rooted, drawing sustenance from the earth, much like a righteous person draws spiritual nourishment from God. This metaphor suggests that a person who delights in the law of the Lord is firmly established and resilient, able to withstand life's challenges.

planted by streams of water
The phrase "planted by streams of water" evokes the image of a tree intentionally placed in a location where it can thrive. The Hebrew word for "planted" is "שָׁתוּל" (shatul), indicating a deliberate act of positioning. This suggests that the righteous are not left to chance but are purposefully situated by God in environments where they can flourish. The "streams of water" symbolize the constant and life-giving presence of God's Word and Spirit, providing the necessary resources for spiritual growth and vitality.

yielding its fruit in season
The concept of yielding fruit "in season" highlights the natural and timely productivity of a life rooted in God. The Hebrew word for "yielding" is "יִתֵּן" (yitten), which implies giving or producing. This suggests that a righteous person will naturally produce good works and virtues at the appropriate time, as a result of their connection to God. The idea of "in season" underscores the importance of patience and timing in the spiritual life, recognizing that growth and fruitfulness occur according to God's perfect timing.

whose leaf does not wither
The phrase "whose leaf does not wither" speaks to the enduring vitality and resilience of the righteous. In Hebrew, "wither" is "יִבּוֹל" (yibbol), which means to fade or decay. This imagery suggests that those who are rooted in God remain vibrant and alive, even in adverse conditions. The unfading leaf symbolizes the perpetual freshness and vigor of a life sustained by God's presence, contrasting with the temporary and fragile nature of worldly pursuits.

and who prospers in all he does
The final phrase, "and who prospers in all he does," conveys the idea of success and well-being in every aspect of life. The Hebrew word for "prospers" is "יַצְלִיחַ" (yatsliach), which means to succeed or thrive. This prosperity is not merely material but encompasses spiritual and moral dimensions, reflecting a life aligned with God's will. The assurance of prosperity in all endeavors underscores the comprehensive blessing that comes from living a life rooted in God's Word and guided by His principles.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Righteous Man
The individual described in Psalm 1:3 is a person who delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night, as outlined in the preceding verses. This person is characterized by their steadfastness and spiritual vitality.

2. Tree
Symbolically represents stability, growth, and life. In the context of this verse, it signifies the spiritual health and prosperity of the righteous.

3. Streams of Water
Represents the source of life and sustenance. In the Hebrew context, "streams" (Hebrew: "peleg") can refer to irrigation channels, indicating a constant and reliable source of nourishment.

4. Fruit
Symbolizes the visible outcomes of a righteous life, such as good deeds, character, and influence.

5. Seasons
Implies the natural and ordained times for growth and productivity, suggesting that the righteous will bear fruit at the appropriate times.
Teaching Points
Rooted in God's Word
Just as a tree needs a constant water source, believers must be rooted in Scripture to thrive spiritually.

Seasonal Fruitfulness
Understand that spiritual growth and fruit-bearing have seasons. Patience and trust in God's timing are essential.

Unfading Vitality
A life grounded in God’s Word will not wither under pressure or adversity, reflecting resilience and steadfastness.

Prosperity in God's Terms
True prosperity is not merely material but encompasses spiritual growth, character development, and fulfilling God's purposes.

Dependence on Divine Nourishment
Just as a tree relies on water, believers must depend on God for sustenance and strength.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does being "like a tree planted by streams of water" challenge your current spiritual practices and priorities?

2. In what ways can you ensure that you are yielding fruit "in season" in your personal and community life?

3. Reflect on a time when your "leaf did not wither" during a challenging period. What role did your faith play in sustaining you?

4. How can you redefine "prosperity" in your life to align with the biblical understanding presented in Psalm 1:3?

5. Compare and contrast the imagery of the tree in Psalm 1:3 with the vine and branches metaphor in John 15:5. How do these images complement each other in understanding spiritual growth and fruitfulness?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Jeremiah 17:7-8
This passage also compares the righteous to a tree planted by water, emphasizing trust in the Lord and the resulting stability and fruitfulness.

John 15:5
Jesus speaks of abiding in Him as the vine, which parallels the idea of being connected to a life-giving source to bear fruit.

Galatians 5:22-23
The fruit of the Spirit is a New Testament parallel to the fruitfulness described in Psalm 1:3, highlighting the characteristics that result from a life led by the Spirit.
A Believer Like a TreePsalm 1:3
A Sermon on TreesF. H. Palmer.Psalm 1:3
A Tree by the RiverSarah Smiley.Psalm 1:3
A Tree Sermon to ChildrenFrank S. Rowland.Psalm 1:3
Amongst the Trees of the WoodMark Guy Pearse.Psalm 1:3
Aspects of a Godly LifeM. R. Vincent, D. D.Psalm 1:3
Christian DevelopmentCanon Liddon, D. D.Psalm 1:3
Constancy in ReligionR. Venting.Psalm 1:3
Fruit in His SeasonJosiah Viney.Psalm 1:3
The Fruit Tree and the ChaffH. Macmillan, D. D.Psalm 1:3
The Influence of Religion Upon ProsperityHugh Blair, D. D.Psalm 1:3
The OleanderA. P. Stanley, D. D.Psalm 1:3
The Song of the Prosperous LifeWayland Hoyt, D. D.Psalm 1:3
The Supremely Happy ManAdam Scott.Psalm 1:3
The Timeliness of FruitageJoseph Parker, D. D.Psalm 1:3
The Tree SimilitudeDavid Caldwell, A. M.Psalm 1:3
True BlessednessC. Short Psalm 1:1-3
A Certain Prescription for HappinessL. A. Banks, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
A ContrastC. Short Psalm 1:1-6
A Happy RetrospectQuiver.Psalm 1:1-6
Association with SinnersJ. Logan.Psalm 1:1-6
Avoiding Evil DoersE. N. Packard.Psalm 1:1-6
BlessednessW. Forsyth Psalm 1:1-6
CharacterW. Forsyth Psalm 1:1-6
CompanionsArthur Mursell.Psalm 1:1-6
Counsels to the YoungJ. Witherspoon, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
Getting Used to an Ungodly AtmospherePsalm 1:1-6
Greatness, Happiness, ProsperityW. Forsyth Psalm 1:1-6
Stages in SinSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
The 1St Psalm, IntroductoryJ. J. Stewart Perowne, B. D.Psalm 1:1-6
The Blessed ManW. Jay.Psalm 1:1-6
The Blessed ManJoseph Parker, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
The Blessed Man's LikenessJoseph Parker, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
The Blessedness of the TrueW. Forsyth Psalm 1:1-6
The Character of the Pious and ProfaneExpository OutlinesPsalm 1:1-6
The Counsel of Ungodly MenSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
The Fear of RidiculeQuiver.Psalm 1:1-6
The Felicity of the Godly Man, and Infelicity of the WickThomas Wilcocks.Psalm 1:1-6
The Godly Man HappySir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
The Happy ManD. J. Burrell, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
The Happy ManW. Forsyth Psalm 1:1-6
The Refusals of GodlinessSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
The Title: the Book of Psalms: the Psalms - Their Variety and ValueC. Clemance Psalm 1:1-6
The Triads of TransgressionHomiletic ReviewPsalm 1:1-6
The True ChristianJ. O. Keen, D. D.Psalm 1:1-6
The Way of Sin DangerousSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
The Way of the RighteousMonday Club SermonsPsalm 1:1-6
Things Marred by UngodlinessSir Richard Baker.Psalm 1:1-6
True and False FriendshipR. Venting.Psalm 1:1-6
People
Psalmist
Places
Jerusalem
Topics
Bringeth, Brings, Brooks, Causeth, Fadeth, Firmly, Forth, Fruit, Gives, Giveth, Green, Leaf, Leaves, Planted, Prosper, Prospereth, Prospers, Rivers, Rivulets, Season, Streams, Tree, Undertakings, Whatever, Whatsoever, Wither, Yields
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Job 42:16-17

     5726   old age, attainment

Library
January 4. "Blessed is the Man that Walketh Not" (Ps. I. 1).
"Blessed is the man that walketh not" (Ps. i. 1). Three things are notable about this man: 1. His company. "He walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." 2. His reading and thinking. "His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night." 3. His fruitfulness. "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither,
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Blessedness and Praise
'Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2. But his delight is in the law of the Lord.' --PSALM i. 1, 2. 'Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.'--PSALM cl. 6. The Psalter is the echo in devout hearts of the other portions of divine revelation. There are in it, indeed, further disclosures of God's mind and purposes, but its especial characteristic is--the reflection
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Chaff Driven Away
We sometimes call men irreligious; and, surely, to be irreligious is bad enough; but to be religious is not good enough. A man may be religious, but yet he may not be godly. There are many who are religious; as touching the law outwardly they are blameless; Hebrews of the Hebrews, Pharisees of the straitest sect. They neglect no rubric, they break no law of their church, they are exceedingly precise in their religion; yet, notwithstanding this, they may rank under the class of the ungodly; for to
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

In common with the Roman Church, the Greek Church has seven Sacraments.
Holy Communion.--In relation to this Sacrament, as indeed to all the Sacraments of the Eastern Church, it is necessary to say that, doctrine being in an altogether undefined state, an outsider has considerable difficulty in realising, in any degree of certainty, what the attitude of mind generally of the Church is, or more exactly ought to be. One cannot help feeling that without the mental subtleness of the East, and the atmosphere and environment of its worship, it is impossible to understand,
John Brownlie—Hymns of the Holy Eastern Church

And Then that Further Device of Theirs, if Words Can Express It...
40. And then that further device of theirs, (if words can express it), how painfully ridiculous is it, which they have invented for defense of their long locks! "A man," say they, "the Apostle hath forbidden to have long hair: but then they who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of God are no longer men." O dotage unparalleled! Well may the person who says this arm himself against Holy Scripture's most manifest proclamations, with counsel of outrageous impiety, and persevere in a tortuous
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

As Therefore the Apostle, Nay Rather the Spirit of God Possessing and Filling And...
19. As therefore the Apostle, nay rather the Spirit of God possessing and filling and actuating his heart, ceased not to exhort the faithful who had such substance, that nothing should be lacking to the necessities of the servants of God, who wished to hold a more lofty degree of sanctity in the Church, in cutting off all ties of secular hope, and dedicating a mind at liberty to their godly service of warfare: likewise ought themselves also to obey his precepts, in sympathizing with the weak, and
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

On the Psalms. I.
[1376] The Argument of the Exposition of the Psalms by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome. 1. The book of Psalms contains new doctrine after the law which was given by Moses; and thus it is the second book of doctrine after the Scripture of Moses. After the death, then of Moses and Joshua, and after the judges, David arose, one deemed worthy to be called the father of the Saviour, and he was the first to give the Hebrews a new style of psalmody, by which he did away with the ordinances established by Moses
Hippolytus—The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus

Works by the Same Author.
Crown 8vo, cloth, price 7s. 6d. each. THE PSALMS. VOL. I.--PSALMS I.-XXXVIII. " II.--PSALMS XXXIX.-LXXXIX. " III.--PSALMS XC-CL. IN THE "EXPOSITOR'S BIBLE." "The work of a brilliant and effective teacher. He writes with real power and insight."--Saturday Review. "Dr. Maclaren has evidently mastered his subject with the aid of the best authorities, and has put the results of his studies before his readers in a most attractive form, and if we add that this commentary really helps to the better
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David

What Sin Does to Men
'Ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water. 31. And the strong shall be as tow, and His work as a spark; and they shall both burn together, and none shall quench them.'--ISAIAH i. 30-31. The original reference of these words is to the threatened retribution for national idolatry, of which 'oaks' and 'gardens' were both seats. The nation was, as it were, dried up and made inflammable; the idol was as the 'spark' or the occasion for destruction. But a wider application,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

John's Witness to Jesus, and God's
'And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 16. John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: 17. Whose fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and will gather the wheat into His garner; but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly
'Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. 2. A good man obtaineth favour of the Lord: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. 3. A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. 5. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6. The words of the wicked are to lie
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Epistle xvi. From Felix Bishop of Messana to St. Gregory.
From Felix Bishop of Messana [243] to St. Gregory. To the most blessed and honourable lord, the holy father Pope Gregory, Felix lover of your Weal and Holiness. The claims under God of your most blessed Weal and Holiness are manifest. For, though the whole earth was filled with observance of the true faith by the preaching and doctrine of the apostles, yet the orthodox Church of Christ, having been founded by apostolical institution and most firmly established by the faithful fathers, is further
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The History of the Psalter
[Sidenote: Nature of the Psalter] Corresponding to the book of Proverbs, itself a select library containing Israel's best gnomic literature, is the Psalter, the compendium of the nation's lyrical songs and hymns and prayers. It is the record of the soul experiences of the race. Its language is that of the heart, and its thoughts of common interest to worshipful humanity. It reflects almost every phase of religious feeling: penitence, doubt, remorse, confession, fear, faith, hope, adoration, and
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent.
1. The whole system of religion delivered by the hand of Moses, in many ways pointed to Christ. This exemplified in the case of sacrifices, ablutions, and an endless series of ceremonies. This proved, 1. By the declared purpose of God; 2. By the nature of the ceremonies themselves; 3. From the nature of God; 4. From the grace offered to the Jews; 5. From the consecration of the priests. 2. Proof continued. 6. From a consideration of the kingdom erected in the family of David. 7. From the end of the
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

Introduction. Chapter i. --The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers.
St. Hilary of Poitiers is one of the greatest, yet least studied, of the Fathers of the Western Church. He has suffered thus, partly from a certain obscurity in his style of writing, partly from the difficulty of the thoughts which he attempted to convey. But there are other reasons for the comparative neglect into which he has fallen. He learnt his theology, as we shall see, from Eastern authorities, and was not content to carry on and develop the traditional teaching of the West; and the disciple
St. Hilary of Poitiers—The Life and Writings of St. Hilary of Poitiers

Writings of St. Ambrose.
The extant writings of St. Ambrose may be divided under six heads. I. Dogmatic; II. Exegetic; III. Moral; IV. Sermons; V. Letters; VI. A few Hymns. I. Dogmatic and Controversial Works. 1. De Fide. The chief of these are the Five Books on the Faith, of which the two first were written in compliance with a request of the Emperor Gratian, a.d. 378. Books III.-V. were written in 379 or 380, and seem to have been worked up from addresses delivered to the people [V. prol. 9, 11; III. 143; IV. 119]. This
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

How those are to be Admonished who Sin from Sudden Impulse and those who Sin Deliberately.
(Admonition 33.). Differently to be admonished are those who are overcome by sudden passion and those who are bound in guilt of set purpose. For those whom sudden passion overcomes are to be admonished to regard themselves as daily set in the warfare of the present life, and to protect the heart, which cannot foresee wounds, with the shield of anxious fear; to dread the hidden darts of the ambushed foe, and, in so dark a contest, to guard with continual attention the inward camp of the soul. For,
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Letter ii (A. D. 1126) to the Monk Adam
To the Monk Adam [3] 1. If you remain yet in that spirit of charity which I either knew or believed to be with you formerly, you would certainly feel the condemnation with which charity must regard the scandal which you have given to the weak. For charity would not offend charity, nor scorn when it feels itself offended. For it cannot deny itself, nor be divided against itself. Its function is rather to draw together things divided; and it is far from dividing those that are joined. Now, if that
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Under the Shepherd's Care.
A NEW YEAR'S ADDRESS. "For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls."--1 Peter ii. 25. "Ye were as sheep going astray." This is evidently addressed to believers. We were like sheep, blindly, willfully following an unwise leader. Not only were we following ourselves, but we in our turn have led others astray. This is true of all of us: "All we like sheep have gone astray;" all equally foolish, "we have turned every one to his own way." Our first
J. Hudson Taylor—A Ribband of Blue

May one Lose the Blessing?
The question trembles from many a lip--If I get the blessing, may I lose it? Most certainly. But, glory be to God! He has made ample provision for failure. There is no reason why we should fail; God has made ample provision against failure; we must not expect to fail; but in case we do fail, provision has been made. The most prolific cause of loss is disobedience--disobedience either to one of God's written commands, or to the inward promptings of His Holy Spirit. "The Holy Ghost whom God hath
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

Exegetic.
(i) As of the De Spiritu Sancto, so of the Hexæmeron, no further account need be given here. It may, however, be noted that the Ninth Homily ends abruptly, and the latter, and apparently more important, portion of the subject is treated of at less length than the former. Jerome [472] and Cassiodorus [473] speak of nine homilies only on the creation. Socrates [474] says the Hexæmeron was completed by Gregory of Nyssa. Three orations are published among Basil's works, two on the creation
Basil—Basil: Letters and Select Works

The Poetical Books (Including Also Ecclesiastes and Canticles).
1. The Hebrews reckon but three books as poetical, namely: Job, Psalms, and Proverbs, which are distinguished from the rest by a stricter rhythm--the rhythm not of feet, but of clauses (see below, No. 3)--and a peculiar system of accentuation. It is obvious to every reader that the poetry of the Old Testament, in the usual sense of the word, is not restricted to these three books. But they are called poetical in a special and technical sense. In any natural classification of the books of the
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Question Lxxxii of Devotion
I. Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Meaning of the Term "Devotion" S. Augustine, Confessions, XIII. viii. 2 II. Is Devotion an Act of the Virtue of Religion? III. Is Contemplation, that is Meditation, the Cause of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On the Causes of Devotion " " On the Devotion of Women IV. Is Joy an Effect of Devotion? Cardinal Cajetan, On Melancholy S. Augustine, Confessions, II. x. I Is Devotion a Special Kind of Act? It is by our acts that we merit. But
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

"Thou Shall Keep Him in Perfect Peace, Whose Mind is Stayed on Thee, Because He Trusteth in Thee. "
Isaiah xxvi. 3.--"Thou shall keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee." Christ hath left us his peace, as the great and comprehensive legacy, "My peace I leave you," John xiv. 27. And this was not peace in the world that he enjoyed; you know what his life was, a continual warfare; but a peace above the world, that passeth understanding. "In the world you shall have trouble, but in me you shall have peace," saith Christ,--a peace that shall make trouble
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Links
Psalm 1:3 NIV
Psalm 1:3 NLT
Psalm 1:3 ESV
Psalm 1:3 NASB
Psalm 1:3 KJV

Psalm 1:3 Commentaries

Bible Hub
Psalm 1:2
Top of Page
Top of Page