Bible Strands
Proverbs 12:3
A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The author of Proverbs addresses readers seeking practical wisdom, framing the verse as a direct contrast between the ultimate fate of the wicked and the righteous.
The words — יִכּ֣וֹן (yi.Kon) means he is established, and יִמּֽוֹט (yi.Mot) means it is moved or shaken.
The thread — The stability of the righteous versus the collapse of the wicked appears in Proverbs 10:25 and Proverbs 12:12, while the root imagery continues in Ephesians 3:17.
Why it lands — The text declares that wickedness provides no permanent foundation and demands the reader abandon evil pursuits in favor of righteousness, which alone guarantees endurance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 10:25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked are no more, but the righteous are secure forever.
- Ephesians 3:17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love,
- Proverbs 12:12 The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
- Colossians 2:7 rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
- Job 27:16 Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay,
- Psalms 125:1 A song of ascents. Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever.
- Job 5:3 I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed.
- Psalms 15:5 who lends his money without interest and refuses a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
- 1 Samuel 25:33 Blessed is your discernment, and blessed are you, because today you kept me from bloodshed and from avenging myself by my own hand.
- Job 20:5 the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary?