Proverbs 12:3 - Exposition

A man shall not be established by wickedness. Man is metaphorically compared to a tree, especially the olive. Wickedness gives him no firm hold for growth or life (comp. Proverbs 10:25 ). The root of the righteous shall not be moved. The righteous are planted in a good soil, are "rooted and grounded in love" ( Ephesians 3:17 ), and the root being thus well placed, the tree is safe, and brings forth much fruit (comp. Proverbs 12:12 ; Job 14:7-9 ).