The Yield of Righteousness

(Pro 12:12 KJV) The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

“Net” (booty NASB) (485b) is an interesting word.  The Hebrew has several translations.  Among them is the idea of bulwark, something you hide behind.  Take that along with the awareness that “men” is not in the Hebrew.  There are people who hide behind “evil” (7451a).  In order to keep their position or power they will commit any atrocity or destruction on others.  We see this in barbarian cultures and modern societies that have barbarians in charge.  It can be a system of rules that are meaningless except for control purposes.  It can be intimidation by personality.

It is also interesting that the word “fruit” is not in the Hebrew.  Godly people are inclined to “yield” (5414).  This is about turning the other cheek and forgiveness.

So?  We are to be different than the world around us.  That may seem to cost us in the short run but remember that God watches over us and controls the outcome.