“The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, But the root of the righteous yields richer fruit.”

Proverbs 12:12 AMP

What are you perusing in this life? Each and every one of us have a dream and a vision of what we would like our life to be. Sometimes, the reality of that seems to be very different than what is actually taking place. Our verse today mentions the focus of a wicked life “desires” that which is ill-gotten gain of the unrighteous. The word used here is the Hebrew word meaning to be “a choice of the eye; or to strongly desire the possessions of another.” The King James rightly translates this word covet. We find the same word used in the book of Exodus,

“You shall not covet [that is, selfishly desire and attempt to acquire] your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” 

Exodus 20:17 AMP

Notice that the verse clarifies exactly the source of this desire; “that is, selfishly desire and attempt to acquire.” It is a self-fulfilling drive that results in sinful action to acquire it. The Hebrew word used for plunder here is a perfect fit. The word means refers to “a trap set by a hunter to ensnare his prey.” A perfect picture of the activity of our foe Satan. Joh wrote in his first Epistle,

“Do not love the world [of sin that opposes God and His precepts], nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all that is in the world–the lust and sensual craving of the flesh and the lust and longing of the eyes and the boastful pride of life [pretentious confidence in one’s resources or in the stability of earthly things]–these do not come from the Father, but are from the world.17The world is passing away, and with it its lusts [the shameful pursuits and ungodly longings]; but the one who does the will of God and carries out His purposes lives forever.”

1 John 2:16-17 AMP

This is the perfect lead in to the second part of our verse today; “the root of righteousness yields richer fruit.” I am reminded of the words of Jesus to us,

“If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples. 9I have loved you just as the Father has loved Me; remain in My love [and do not doubt My love for you].” John 15:7-8 AMP

A conditional promise for sure! “If you remain in me and My Words remain in you…” I have heard many take this verse out of context to prove that whatever we ask in Jesus’ name will be done. That is not the truth of this verse. It all has to do with abiding in Christ and in His Word. As we grow in the grace and knowledge of Who He is, our desires begin to be transformed into His desires. Remember that it is His plan that we are following!

“So then, my dear ones, just as you have always obeyed [my instructions with enthusiasm], not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ]. 13 For it is [not your strength, but it is] God who is effectively at work in you, both to will and to work [that is, strengthening, energizing, and creating in you the longing and the ability to fulfill your purpose] for His good pleasure.”

Philippians 2:12-13 AMP

You see, when our desires are in line with His desires and plan, even the gate of hell cannot prevent Him from delivering your request! I love the picture of the end results of righteousness, “richer fruit.” The word means “not easily diseased or uprooted; to continue in a state for a considerable duration.” If we walk in His ways, the fruits of righteousness will never fade or fail to produce goodness in our lives!

Have a fruitful day growing more intimately connected with our Savior and letting His desires become your desires! Pastor Ken