Midrasz do Przysłów 14:12

R. Elazar b. Zadok said: "To what are the righteous compared in this world? Unto the tree whose trunk grows on a clean spot, while some of its branches extend over an unclean spot. When those branches are cut off, it is thus found that the entire tree will be on a clean spot. So also is the case with the righteous. The Holy One, praised be He, causes affliction to be brought upon the righteous in this world, so that they should be able to inherit the world to come, as it is said (Job. 8, 7) And thy beginning will have been small; because thy latter end will grow up greatly. And unto what are the wicked compared in this world? Unto a tree whose trunk stands on an unclean spot, while some of its branches extend over a clean spot; in which case, if these branches are cut off the entire tree would stand on an unclean spot. So also does the Holy One, praised be He! extend wealth unto the wicked in this world so that He may drive them into despair and lower them down into the last compartment of Gehenna; as it is said (Pr. 14, 12) There is many a way which seemeth even before a man! but its way leads unto death."