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"Vehaya k’eitz.../ He will be like a tree..." (Tehillim 1:3)
Man’s ability to grow, is comparable to a tree. Malbim comments, just as the roots of a tree supplies sustenance to the rest of it, the same is with man. The "roots" of the person is his mind, from which his feelings flow to the different limbs - the "branches" - of his body. The actions of man are controlled by his thoughts.
The wicked wish to share the same source of sustenance as the earthly tree. They consider the purpose of life to be one of pleasure seeking and self-gratification. Consequently, all of their actions are driven by their desire for earthly pleasure. Thus, together with the tree of the field, they derive their source of nourishment from the earth. For them, there is no difference between themselves and the tree of the ground.
The righteous, however, realize how they differ from their allegorical counterpart in respect to the source of their nourishment. While the roots of the tree derives it sustenance from the ground, the minds of the righteous and their thoughts are rooted in that which is above them. They understand that their purpose in this world is to serve G-d by living according to His will. Their actions, no matter how mundane, are stimulated by their desire to carry out their divine purpose.
Indeed, the Sages taught that the righteous are compared to a tree that is rooted in a place of purity, while its branches are in a place of impurity. The wicked, who refuse to understand the real purpose of their existence, are just the opposite. In respect to the purpose of mankind, they are like an upside-down tree.
Ashrei Ha-ish.../ Fortunate is the man..." (Tehillim 1:1).
One wonders, to whom is King David referring as the "fortunate" person? Malbim explains, a common goal within mankind is to seek success from the opportunities of life. However, there is a vast dichotomy between being successful (matzliach) and being fortunate (osher). While success applies to the achievement in material things, a fortunate man is one who has achieved a sense of spiritual fulfillment.
There are three categories in which man can achieve perfection. They are: perfection of one’s possessions (to attain more wealth), perfection of the body (good health), and spiritual perfection. The first two categories are included in man’s material successes. A wealthy person, or someone who lives until a ripe old age, are both considered successful. Material success though, is not exclusive to mankind. In fact, there are animals that by far outdo man, both in attaining their food with ease as well as in strength, such as the lion and elephant. Similarly, the senses of some species go unequaled, such as the keen eyesight of the eagle.
The third category, perfection of character and the refining of one’s spiritual makeup, is exclusive to man alone. "Fortunate is the man" who pursues this goal, since only he is capable of attaining this spiritual fulfillment.
Usher Smith has studied at Yeshiva Shaarei Torah (Monsey NY), Talmudical Academy Of Central NJ (Adelphia NJ), and Beth Medrash Govoha (Jerusalem Israel and Lakwood NJ)