This Proverb says, “The wicked desires the booty of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit. An evil man is ensnared by the transgressions of his lips, but the righteous will escape from trouble. A man will be satisfied with good from the fruit of his words, and the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.”
This Proverb contrasts the wicked and the righteous in two distinct areas. First, it points out that a wicked person focuses on getting the material things they may covet and desire. Whereas, a righteous person focuses on living rightly and doing good things. As a result they receive many of God’s blessings, and they yield good fruit in their lives.
The second contrast indicates that a wicked person speaks without thinking. Their words are damaging to others. This is not helpful. Furthermore, a wicked person is ensnared with their thoughtless words. In other words, a wicked person frequently puts themselves in jeopardy with their words. Whereas, a righteous person thoughtfully speaks words that edify, help, and motivate others to live rightly before God. As a result, a righteous person’s words will rarely get that person into trouble.
More importantly, a righteous person’s words will produce good fruit in their lives and the lives of others. This good fruit will return to a righteous person, enhancing their lives and giving them joy and peace.
The benefits of living rightly before God are numerous. Living rightly before God always produces the best results. More importantly, living rightly before God will lead a person to Heaven.
