Understanding a Powerful Metaphor from the Bible
Have you ever noticed how trees growing near rivers or streams always look especially healthy? That’s because their roots have constant access to water, which helps them stand strong, stay green, and grow fruit even when there’s no rain. This simple image is used in the Bible to teach us a powerful lesson about life and faith.
What Does “A Tree Planted by the Water” Mean?
When the Bible says someone will be “like a tree planted by the water,” it’s using a metaphor—a way of explaining something big and deep by comparing it to something we all understand. Here, the tree represents a person, and the water stands for God’s love, wisdom, and guidance.
· Spiritual Nourishment: Just like a tree needs water to survive, people need spiritual nourishment. When you’re “planted by the water,” it means you’re rooted in faith or connected to something greater than yourself—like God or a set of strong, positive beliefs. This connection gives you the energy and strength to grow and flourish in life.
· Resilience in Tough Times: If a regular tree goes through a drought, it might struggle and its leaves could dry out. But a tree right next to a stream doesn’t worry about the dry times; its roots always find water. In the same way, when people have deep faith or inner strength, they can handle life’s challenges without falling apart. Their “leaves” stay green—they keep their hope, peace, and joy even when things are hard.
· Bearing Fruit: The metaphor also talks about the tree always bearing fruit. This means that people who are spiritually strong and rooted in good values don’t just survive—they thrive. They make a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of others, showing kindness, wisdom, and love, no matter what’s happening around them.
The Contrast: What Happens Without Roots?
The Bible often compares people who aren’t rooted in faith or positive values to things like “chaff,” which is the light, useless part of wheat that the wind easily blows away. Without deep roots, people can be easily shaken by problems and may struggle to find meaning or joy in tough times.
Where Does This Metaphor Appear in the Bible?
You’ll find this powerful picture in a few places, especially in the Old Testament:
· Jeremiah 17:8: “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”
· Psalm 1: This ancient song says that people who love God’s teachings are like trees planted by streams of water—they always prosper and bear good fruit.
Why Is This Important?
The message is simple, but it matters: If you build your life on strong, positive foundations—like faith, love, and good values—you’ll have what you need to handle tough times, stay hopeful, and help others. Life will still have droughts and storms, but you’ll be like that tree by the river: steady, strong, and full of life.
So, the next time you see a tree by the water, remember that with the right roots, you too can stand tall and thrive, no matter what comes your way.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 