He shall be like a tree, etc.
Among the costly works in which King Solomon exercised his wisdom and displayed his magnificence were gardens rich in fruit trees and watered by channels and reservoirs (Ecclesiastes 1:5, Ecclesiastes 1:6). Among these would be citrons and oranges, with their lustrous evergreen leaves and golden fruit; palms also, which love water and soil free from all foul decay and refuse. Some have fancied the similitude taken from the oleanders abounding by the streams of Canaan; but its fruit is poison; no one cares to plant it. An evergreen, fruit-bearing tree is here the bright image of the prosperous soul. (Solomon very possibly the author.)
I. THE SECRET OF A GODLY LIFE. Source and sustenance. "Planted," not self-sown, not dropped into its place by chance—planted by God's own hand (James 1:18). "By the waters," drawing life and freshness from an unfailing source (Isaiah 4:1-6:14; 7:37-39; Isaiah 15:4). Some lives that make a fair show are like trees whose roots run near the surface—the storm uproots them. The soul "rooted" in Christ (Colossians 2:7) is as the pine, sending down so strong a tap-root that the avalanche may break the trunk, but cannot uproot it.
II. ITS FRUITFULNESS. "Bringeth forth," etc.. Good deeds are fruitful deeds. "The season" may tarry, but it will come (James 5:7; Galatians 6:9, Galatians 6:10). But if we "abide in Christ," our fruit will be always in season, like the orange, covered with fragrant flowers, green fruit and ripe fruit all at once—full of beauty and hope, as well as food.
III. ITS SECURITY AND VIGOUR. "Its leaf shall not wither." Evergreen. The primary reference may be to outward prosperity, like Joseph's (Genesis 39:2-5, Genesis 39:23; see 1 Timothy 4:8). Sickness, accident, hard times, losses through the failure or dishonesty of others, may befall the child of God as well as the child of the world; but the natural tendency of thorough integrity, of the diligence of one who does everything with his might as unto the Lord, and of the wisdom, courage, and good temper which are among the fruits of the Spirit, and the guidance of God's providence in answer to prayer, is to bring prosperity (Psalms 37:4-7; Philippians 4:4-7). Yet observe, the Old Testament, as fully as the New, teaches the need and benefit of adversity (Proverbs 3:11, Proverbs 3:12; Psalms 34:17-19). But there is prosperity that fears no change, glory that fades not, labour that cannot be lost (3 John 1:2; 1 Peter 1:4; 1 Peter 5:4; 1 Corinthians 15:58).