Psalm 1:3 (NASB)

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers.

Bible Commentary

Psalm 1:3 is a Bible verse from a popular Psalm which describes the abundant life God planned for those who serve the Lord. The entire 1^st Psalm gives a very vivid picture of the blessings of one who is pleased to follow the Lord and His commands.

Psalm 1:3 first likens one who follows the Lord to a tree which is planted by streams of water. The word “streams” implies the source of water is continual, which never runs dry, as opposed to a still body of water.

This is important because a tree needs a lot of water in order for its roots to grow deep and become strong. Notice Psalm 1:3 says the tree is firmly planted.

Jesus said in John 7:38, “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”

Eyes Closed

Let’s look at the Hebrew meanings for the word “tree,” which are: to fasten (or make firm), that is, to close (the eyes); shut.

If someone who follows the Lord is like a tree, then we can say that those who fear the Lord are fastened and made firm, and our eyes are closed. Wait a minute, our eyes are closed?

Have you ever beat yourself up for dwelling on something (or feeling something) you knew was wrong, but you couldn’t help yourself? The Apostle Paul was struggling with this when he said in Romans 7:24-25,

“O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Those who fear God and follow His Word are firmly planted, strong and delivered from the temptations of the world and of the devil through Jesus Christ. Our eyes are shut to temptations.

Jesus Christ within us is like a supernatural laser beam. He draws our attention to the light of righteousness, and closes the door (our spirit) to those things that are not, so that they are behind us and our eyes are shut to them.

So, in our willingness to follow Christ we choose to live in the light and not in the dark. Hallelujah!

Unlocking the Truth – No Guilt in Christ

Because we are not easily distracted by temptations, the Holy Spirit is able to produce more abundantly in us. Psalm 1:3 says this tree brings forth fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither.

“Wither” in Hebrew means: to wilt, to fall away, fail, faint, be foolish or (morally) wicked; disgrace.

To me, this describes what happens in our soul (our thoughts and emotions) when we feel guilty, when we’re walking in disgrace. It’s time to WAKE UP to the truth: There is NO condemnation in Jesus Christ!

We can be fruitful in the Kingdom of God when we are not held prisoner by guilt, fear and shame. We are planted firmly by standing fast in the freedom of grace Christ gave us .

We must remember it’s not our goodness that produces fruit, it is the grace of Jesus Christ in us and surrounding us.

Psalm 18:2 (NLT) says, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.”

His grace is our protection.

The most exciting part of Psalm 1:3 is the last part which says, “And in whatever he does, he prospers.”

Wouldn’t you like to know that whatever you did would prosper? The word “prosper” in Hebrew means: to push forward, break out, be good, be profitable.

Our faithfulness to follow God and His Word is rewarded.
Our firm stance in the truth of His grace is rewarded.
Our firm grasp of His hand is rewarded.

Whatever we do will prosper. There are so many varieties of fruit in God’s Kingdom. He delights in revealing to us every sight and sound, taste, touch and fragrance of His bounty.

What an amazing and adventurous journey we have in the Lord! Study the Bible verse of Psalm 1:3 to gain knowledge of your rewards in Jesus Christ.