The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.
Wicked people want what evil people have trapped or stolen, but those who do what's right are like trees with strong roots that produce good fruit.
This verse is contrasting how evil people desire ill-gotten gains, while righteous people naturally produce good results from their solid foundation.
📚 Historical Context
This proverb comes from Solomon's collection of wise sayings, written during Israel's golden age around 950 BC. In an agricultural society, the imagery of nets (used for hunting and fishing) and fruit trees would have been immediately understood by everyone. Solomon was contrasting the temporary gains of those who live by taking from others versus the lasting productivity of those who live righteously.
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