We recently discovered we have an orange tree. We had moved to central Florida and bought a home; and with the home were several nice trees. But we had no idea one was an orange tree until it started producing oranges. Now we are really enjoying the fruit of our orange tree.
The tree in Psalm 1:3 is a fruit tree. In speaking of the blessed man who meditates on God’s Word day and night, the Psalmist says, “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season.”
All types of trees have their unique beauty and charm. But there is something special about a fruit tree, whether it’s oranges or apples or peaches – or any other kind of fruit. A fruit tree pleases people with more than just its looks. It gives a succulent taste sensation that’s out of this world.
Well, that’s what God is saying about the blessed person. That person is also an encouragement to others—not just because he or she looks good, but because fruit is produced that blesses other people.
The word “fruit” is the Hebrew word “peree,” which is used of all kinds of fruit. But the word can also mean “offspring” (as when we refer to the fruit of the womb). Or it can mean “result or consequence” (that which is produced by someone, as when we talk about the fruit of man’s labors).
The fruit of man’s labors is how Psalmist uses the word here. That which is produced in a man’s life is the fruit of his labors, and the blessed man is a fruitful man. Now the Bible talks about two kinds of spiritual fruit. One concerns qualities of character that reflect the character of Christ (this is the fruit of the spirit). The other is the result of witness—people who come to Christ or who are encouraged in the Lord because of what the blessed man does.
The bottom line is that God wants us to be fruitful Christians.
So, what kind of tree are you? Do you just look good, or are you producing fruit – that is, are you a blessing to others?