He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that the blessed person isn't just near water, but planted by it, signifying a deliberate and enduring connection that ensures consistent fruitfulness and vitality, unlike a wild tree that might struggle for resources. The flourishing isn't just about outward success, but about a deep, inner well-being that sustains every action.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm opens by contrasting the path of the righteous with that of the wicked. Verse 3 immediately follows the declaration of the blessed man's delight in God's law, illustrating his flourishing life as a tree deeply rooted by life-giving water. This imagery highlights his stability, fruitfulness, and enduring vitality, standing in stark contrast to the instability of the ungodly described in the next verse.
Why is the source of nourishment so crucial for spiritual growth? This verse paints a vivid picture of a tree receiving life-giving water.
The image of a tree planted 'by streams of water' isn't just about abundance; it's about intentional placement and consistent supply.
Cultivated Growth
Unlike a wild tree, this one is 'planted.' This suggests care, deliberate choice, and a foundation set for thriving. It speaks to a life intentionally placed within God's provision, not left to chance.
Constant Refreshment
The 'streams of water' highlight a continuous flow, not just an occasional drink. For us, this points to consistent engagement with God's Word and Spirit. It’s through these 'channels' – prayer, scripture, community – that our spiritual roots are sustained and strengthened, allowing us to flourish even in difficult seasons.
What does it mean for your life to consistently produce 'fruit in its season' and have leaves that 'do not wither'?
This imagery speaks volumes about the nature of a life aligned with God's ways.
Purposeful Production
'Yields its fruit in its season' signifies that a life rooted in God is productive and purposeful. This fruit isn't forced; it's a natural outcome of being rightly nourished and established. It points to the good works and Christ-like character that emerge when we are living in sync with God's timing and purposes.
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Enduring Vitality
The phrase 'its leaf does not wither' describes a life of lasting vitality and authenticity. It's not about a temporary show of spiritual health, but a deep, abiding greenness that speaks of genuine connection and unwavering faith, even when external circumstances are harsh. This enduring quality is a hallmark of God's blessing.
The verse concludes, 'In all that he does, he prospers.' What kind of prosperity is this, and how is it achieved?
This final declaration moves beyond mere imagery to the outcome of a life lived in alignment with God's Word.
Successful Endeavors
'In all that he does, he prospers' isn't a guarantee against hardship or failure in worldly terms. Instead, it speaks to a deeper, God-ordained success. It means that whatever the righteous person undertakes, under God's guidance and for His glory, will ultimately be carried to a successful and mature conclusion. It's about achieving God's purposes through our actions.
Divine Blessing on Action
This prosperity is the natural consequence of being 'planted by streams of water' and bearing fruit. It's the blessing that follows a life dedicated to God's ways. Even when facing challenges, the underlying trajectory is one of God's enabling power making their efforts fruitful and leading them towards a blessed end, both in this life and eternally.
Understand the original words
peri · Hebrew Noun
The fruit is the visible, outward manifestation of spiritual life, inward transformation, and obedience to God, resulting in works that please Him.
tsalach · Hebrew Verb
To flourish, succeed, or advance in a way that fulfills God’s purpose. It is not necessarily material wealth, but spiritual and vocational success according to God's will.
This passage also uses the imagery of a tree planted by water to describe a person who trusts in the Lord, highlighting the same theme of steadfastness and fruitful living.
John 15:5Jesus' teaching about being branches connected to the vine directly parallels the Psalm's imagery, showing that fruitfulness comes from abiding in Christ, the source of life.
Romans 8:28This verse promises that God works all things for good for those who love Him, resonating with the idea in Psalm 1:3 that 'in all that he does, he prospers' when connected to God.
Ezekiel 47:12This prophetic vision describes trees growing by a river that bear fruit every month and have leaves that never wither, painting a picture of abundant, continuous life and provision flowing from God's presence.
clarkePsalms 1:3: "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; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
Like a tree planted - Not like one growing wild, however strong or luxuriant it may appear; but one that has been carefully cultivated, and for the proper growth of which all the advantages of soil and situation have been chosen. If a child be brought up in the discipline and admonition of the Lord, we have…
ellicottPsalms 1:3: "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; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
(3) And he. —Better, So is he. For the image so forcible in an Eastern clime, where vegetation depends on proximity to a stream, comp. Psalm 52:8 ; Psalm 92:12 ; Isaiah 44:4 ; and its development in Jeremiah 17:7-8 . The full moral bearing of the image appears in our Lord’s parabolic saying, “a good tree can…
This verse highlights that the blessed person isn't just near water, but planted by it, signifying a deliberate and enduring connection that ensures consistent fruitfulness and vitality, unlike a wild tree that might struggle for resources. The flourishing isn't just about outward success, but about a deep, inner well-being that sustains every action.
This psalm opens by contrasting the path of the righteous with that of the wicked. Verse 3 immediately follows the declaration of the blessed man's delight in God's law, illustrating his flourishing life as a tree deeply rooted by life-giving water. This imagery highlights his stability, fruitfulness, and enduring vitality, standing in stark contrast to the instability of the ungodly described in the next verse.
This psalm opens by contrasting the path of the righteous with that of the wicked. Verse 3 immediately follows the declaration of the blessed man's delight in God's law, illustrating his flourishing life as a tree deeply rooted by life-giving water. This imagery highlights his stability, fruitfulness, and enduring vitality, standing in stark contrast to the instability of the ungodly described in the next verse.
"He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers." — This verse highlights that the blessed person isn't just near water, but planted by it, signifying a deliberate and enduring connection that ensures consistent fruitfulness and vitality, unlike a…
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Last reviewed October 2026