Psalms 1:3 - “And Its Leaf Will Not Wither”

Leaves are mentioned frequently in the Bible. They have the unique characteristic of being used to represent both the fragility of life and its durability. A leaf that never withers, is a symbol of strength and vitality. It’s a picture of God’s blessing and His eternal promises.

Jeremiah and Ezekiel build upon that image. In Jeremiah 17:8, the unfading leaf extends the roots of the growing tree. Such a tree doesn’t worry about the heat or even an impending drought. It always yields fruit.

Ezekiel 47:12 presents a leaf that is continually bearing fruit that not only nourishes but also heals. That’s quite a picture of a healthy tree. It is productive beyond measure because God is growing and harvesting it.

Isaiah, on the other hand, gives us the opposite picture. In Isaiah, the fragile and withered leaf is a picture of a failed life before God.

Isaiah 64:6

“For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.”

What is it that makes the leaf wither? It is sin. The whole metaphor of the leaf is a picture of the man or woman of God who has learned the secret of life: Please God and you will reap His blessings. Fight Him and you will struggle endlessly.

You and I were designed that way. When we follow the instruction book, great things happen. Follow God and watch Him come alongside you, knocking down walls and blazing paths f