See you not how God sets forth a parable? A goodly word as a goodly tree, whose root is firmly fixed, and its branches extended to the sky. Giving its fruit at all times, by the leave of its Lord and God sets forth parables for humankind in order they may contemplate (14:24-25)

Commentary:Let us analyze each of the symbols used in this parable:

Goodly word: Quran uses this term for a statement of fundamental truth; something which is intrinsically correct and has stood the test of time. It could be a word of wisdom or a statement which calls people to majesty of their creator and a good deed in its light for the benefit of humankind.Muhammad Asad in his commentary of Message of the Quran writes:

In its wider meaning, the term kalimah ("word") denotes any conceptual statement or proposition. Thus, a "good word"; circumscribes any proposition (or idea) that is intrinsically true and - because it implies a call to what is good in the moral sense - is ultimately beneficent and enduring; and since a call to moral righteousness is the innermost purport of every one of God's messages, the term "good word" applies to them as well. Similarly, the "corrupt word" mentioned in verse 26 applies to the opposite of what a divine message aims at: namely, to every idea that is intrinsically false or morally evil and, therefore, spiritually harmful.

Quran says the good deeds should follow goodly words only then they are exalted and bring honor[ii]. For example Quran says:

Is there any reward for good other than good(55:60).

It is a fundamental truth which cannot be changed. If a person believes in good deeds and does righteous deeds he or she will get honor and a better return from God.Goodly tree and its fruit -symbolizes the outcome of believing in goodly words and doing good deeds. Such a deed stands firm and established and with the help of God it continues to give good results to mankind. This is also emphasized in another fundamental principle in Quran:

"Whatever is beneficial to humankind remains established on earth" (13:17).

Moral of this parable is that if we believe in goodly words and do good deeds in its guidance, our deeds will endure and give benefits to everyone like the fruits of a firmly established tree.

We can observe this in the life of many people who follow principles of fundamental truth and as a result get honor from God for their deeds and benefit humankind e.g. Someone who believed in the value of seeking knowledge and wisdom and spread knowledge and wisdom with his or her efforts, such a person is an institution like a tree which gives to humankind the fruit of knowledge and wisdom or if someone believed in providing universal medical care to all and did efforts to that end, that person will surely get honor and bring benefit to humankind.

Notes & References

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[i] A parable is a narrative of imagined events used to illustrate or convey a moral or spiritual lesson. Quran uses parables to convey its message. Quran says "And these similitudes we put forward for humankind, but none will understand them except those who have knowledge" (29:43)

[ii] 35:10 Whosoever desires honor then to God belong the entire honor. To Him ascend the goodly words, and the righteous deeds exalt them, but those who plot evils, their will be severe torment. And the plotting of such will perish