As a tree falls, so shall it lie

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As a tree falls, so shall it lie

English Proverb 1678

As a tree falls, so shall it lie;
As a man lives, so shall he die;
As a man dies, so shall he be;
Through all the aeons of eternity.

With allusion to Ecclesiastes 11:3.

Unforeseen events come from God. The person who is always gazing on the uncertain future will neither begin nor complete any useful work. Bear in mind that times and circumstances and the powers of nature are in the hand of God. Be both diligent and trustful.

These images are connected chiefly with the occupation of an agricultural laborer. The discharge of rain from the cloud, and the inclination of the falling tree, and the direction of the wind, are beyond his control. The result of his work is affected by them.