CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Proverbs 12:3 A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/proverbs/12-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/20_Pro_12_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Proverbs 12:3 - Loving Discipline and Knowledge" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/proverbs/12-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/proverbs/12-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/proverbs/">Proverbs</a> > <a href="/proverbs/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm" title="Proverbs 12:2">◄</a> Proverbs 12:3 <a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm" title="Proverbs 12:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/proverbs/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />No one can be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/proverbs/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/proverbs/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />No one is established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/proverbs/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/proverbs/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/proverbs/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A person will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/proverbs/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/proverbs/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/proverbs/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous will not be shaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/proverbs/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A man will not be established by wickedness, But the root of the [consistently] righteous will not be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/proverbs/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />No one can be made secure by wickedness, but the root of the righteous is immovable.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/proverbs/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Man cannot be made secure by wickedness, but the root of the righteous is immovable. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/proverbs/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A man shall not be established by wickedness; But the root of the righteous shall not be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/proverbs/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Sin cannot offer security! But if you live right, you will be as secure as a tree with deep roots. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/proverbs/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall never be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/proverbs/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />A person cannot stand firm on a foundation of wickedness, and the roots of righteous people cannot be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/proverbs/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Wickedness does not give security, but righteous people stand firm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/proverbs/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />A person doesn't gain security by wickedness, but the righteous won't be uprooted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/proverbs/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/proverbs/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />No one can be established through wickedness, but a righteous root cannot be moved. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/proverbs/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/proverbs/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/proverbs/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/proverbs/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A man is not established by wickedness, "" And the root of the righteous is not moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/proverbs/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A man is not established by wickedness, And the root of the righteous is not moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/proverbs/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />A man shall not be prepared by injustice: and the root of the Just shall not be moved.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/proverbs/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Men shall not be strengthened by wickedness: and the root of the just shall not be moved. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/proverbs/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Man will not be made strong from impiety. And the root of the just shall not be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/proverbs/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />No one is made secure by wickedness, but the root of the just will never be disturbed. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/proverbs/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />No one finds security by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will never be moved.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/proverbs/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />A man shall not be established by wickedness; but the root of the righteous shall flourish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/proverbs/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />A son of man will not be established in evil, and the root of the righteous will not move.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/proverbs/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A man shall not be established by wickedness; But the root of the righteous shall never be moved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/proverbs/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A man shall not prosper by wickedness; but the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/proverbs/12-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kpUA5ZltBeQ?start=2155" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/proverbs/12.htm">Loving Discipline and Knowledge</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">A man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3559.htm" title="3559: yik·kō·wn (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be erect; hence to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal, or figurative.">be established</a> <a href="/hebrew/7562.htm" title="7562: bə·re·ša‘ (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Wickedness. From rasha'; a wrong.">through wickedness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6662.htm" title="6662: ṣad·dî·qîm (Adj-mp) -- Just, righteous. From tsadaq; just.">but the righteous</a> <a href="/hebrew/1077.htm" title="1077: bal- (Adv) -- Not. From balah; properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually not at all; also lest.">cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/4131.htm" title="4131: yim·mō·wṭ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To totter, shake, slip. A primitive root; to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall.">be uprooted.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8328.htm" title="8328: wə·šō·reš (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A root. From sharash; a root."></a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3-4</a></span><br />He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. / Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-7.htm">Jeremiah 17:7-8</a></span><br />But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. / He is like a tree planted by the waters that sends out its roots toward the stream. It does not fear when the heat comes, and its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year of drought, nor does it cease to produce fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-6.htm">Colossians 2:6-7</a></span><br />Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, / rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17</a></span><br />so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-3.htm">Matthew 13:3-9</a></span><br />And He told them many things in parables, saying, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. / And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. / Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-47.htm">Luke 6:47-49</a></span><br />I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: / He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. / But the one who hears My words and does not act on them is like a man who built his house on ground without a foundation. The torrent crashed against that house, and immediately it fell—and great was its destruction!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-11.htm">1 Corinthians 3:11-13</a></span><br />For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. / If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, / his workmanship will be evident, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will prove the quality of each man’s work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-8.htm">Isaiah 40:8</a></span><br />The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-4.htm">John 15:4-5</a></span><br />Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. / I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-12.htm">Psalm 92:12-14</a></span><br />The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. / Planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. / In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23-25</a></span><br />For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. / For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, / but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-21.htm">James 1:21-22</a></span><br />Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. / Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/125-1.htm">Psalm 125:1-2</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever. / As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His people, both now and forevermore.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-19.htm">2 Timothy 2:19</a></span><br />Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.</p><p class="hdg">shall not be established</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/10-25.htm">Proverbs 10:25</a></b></br> As the whirlwind passeth, so <i>is</i> the wicked no <i>more</i>: but the righteous <i>is</i> an everlasting foundation.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/5-3.htm">Job 5:3-5</a></b></br> I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/15-1.htm">Job 15:1,2</a></b></br> Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/proverbs/10-25.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/4-17.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-30.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-31.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/80-15.htm">Root</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-21.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-31.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-30.htm">Uprooted</a> <a href="/proverbs/11-5.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/12-19.htm">Established</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-32.htm">Evil-Doing</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-28.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-5.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-12.htm">Root</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Safe</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-5.htm">Upright</a> <a href="/proverbs/15-25.htm">Uprooted</a> <a href="/proverbs/13-6.htm">Wickedness</a><div class="vheading2">Proverbs 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/proverbs/12-1.htm">Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/proverbs/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/proverbs/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>A man cannot be established through wickedness</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the futility of attempting to build a lasting foundation on immoral or unethical behavior. Throughout the Bible, wickedness is consistently portrayed as leading to instability and eventual downfall. In the historical context of ancient Israel, where Proverbs was written, societal stability was often linked to adherence to God's laws. The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, frequently contrasts the temporary success of the wicked with the enduring legacy of the righteous. This idea is echoed in <a href="/psalms/1-4.htm">Psalm 1:4-5</a>, where the wicked are compared to chaff blown away by the wind, lacking permanence or substance. Theologically, this reflects the principle that God's justice ultimately prevails, and any apparent success achieved through wickedness is fleeting.<p><b>but the righteous cannot be uprooted</b><br>The imagery of being "uprooted" suggests a deep, secure foundation, akin to a tree with strong roots. In biblical symbolism, righteousness is often associated with stability and prosperity. <a href="/psalms/1-3.htm">Psalm 1:3</a> describes the righteous as a tree planted by streams of water, yielding fruit and not withering. This metaphor indicates that those who live according to God's will are firmly grounded and resilient against life's challenges. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, where agriculture was central, the metaphor of a tree with deep roots would resonate strongly, symbolizing life, growth, and endurance. This phrase also points to the eternal security of the righteous, a theme that is further developed in the New Testament, where believers are assured of their place in God's kingdom through faith in Jesus Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/solomon.htm">Solomon</a></b><br>Traditionally regarded as the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. His proverbs often contrast the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_righteous.htm">The Righteous</a></b><br>In the context of Proverbs, the righteous are those who live according to God's laws and principles, seeking to align their lives with His will.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Those who live in opposition to God's commands, often characterized by deceit, immorality, and injustice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_wickedness.htm">The Futility of Wickedness</a></b><br>Wickedness may offer temporary gains, but it cannot provide lasting stability or security. True establishment comes from righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_security_of_the_righteous.htm">The Security of the Righteous</a></b><br>Those who live righteously are deeply rooted and secure, much like a tree with strong roots. This security is not just physical but spiritual and emotional.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/pursuing_righteousness.htm">Pursuing Righteousness</a></b><br>Believers are encouraged to pursue righteousness in their daily lives, aligning their actions with God's word to ensure they are not easily shaken by life's challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_foundations.htm">The Importance of Foundations</a></b><br>Just as a building needs a strong foundation, our lives require a foundation built on God's truth to withstand trials and temptations.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_promises.htm">Trust in God's Promises</a></b><br>The assurance that the righteous cannot be uprooted is a promise that believers can hold onto, trusting in God's faithfulness to sustain them.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_proverbs_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Proverbs 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_profanity_biblical.htm">What consequences do the wicked face according to scripture?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_mastema_in_religious_texts.htm">What defines the path of the righteous?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_wars_persist_if_god's_name_is_safe.htm">Proverbs 18:10: Why do wars and disasters persist if God's name supposedly guarantees safety as a 'strong tower'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_upright_people_suffer_injustice.htm">How does Proverbs 12:2 align with the reality that many upright people throughout history have suffered injustice rather than finding divine favor?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/proverbs/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">A man shall not be established by wickedness.</span> Man is metaphorically compared to a tree, especially the olive. Wickedness gives him no firm hold for growth or life (comp. <a href="/proverbs/10-25.htm">Proverbs 10:25</a>). <span class="cmt_word">The root of the righteous shall not be moved.</span> The righteous are planted in a good soil, are "rooted and grounded in love" (<a href="/ephesians/3-17.htm">Ephesians 3:17</a>), and the root being thus well placed, the tree is safe, and brings forth much fruit (comp. ver. 12; <a href="/job/14-7.htm">Job 14:7-9</a>). Vers. 4-12 contain proverbs concerning the management of a house and business. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/proverbs/12-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">A man</span><br /><span class="heb">אָדָ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be established</span><br /><span class="heb">יִכּ֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(yik·kō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3559.htm">Strong's 3559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be erect</span><br /><br /><span class="word">through wickedness,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּרֶ֑שַׁע</span> <span class="translit">(bə·re·ša‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7562.htm">Strong's 7562: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wickedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but the righteous</span><br /><span class="heb">צַ֝דִּיקִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(ṣad·dî·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6662.htm">Strong's 6662: </a> </span><span class="str2">Just, righteous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּל־</span> <span class="translit">(bal-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1077.htm">Strong's 1077: </a> </span><span class="str2">A failure, nothing, not at all, lest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be uprooted.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִמּֽוֹט׃</span> <span class="translit">(yim·mō·wṭ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4131.htm">Strong's 4131: </a> </span><span class="str2">To waver, to slip, shake, fall</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/proverbs/12-3.htm">Proverbs 12:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/proverbs/12-3.htm">Proverbs 12:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/proverbs/12-3.htm">Proverbs 12:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/proverbs/12-3.htm">Proverbs 12:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/proverbs/12-3.htm">Proverbs 12:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/proverbs/12-3.htm">Proverbs 12:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/proverbs/12-3.htm">Proverbs 12:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/proverbs/12-3.htm">Proverbs 12:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/proverbs/12-3.htm">Proverbs 12:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/proverbs/12-3.htm">Proverbs 12:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/proverbs/12-3.htm">OT Poetry: Proverbs 12:3 A man shall not be established (Prov. Pro Pr) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/proverbs/12-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Proverbs 12:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Proverbs 12:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/proverbs/12-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Proverbs 12:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Proverbs 12:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>