Proverbs 3:18
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She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
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Lady Wisdom offers you a good life and happiness. All men want both, but most look for them in the wrong places. The world of unbelievers cannot provide either - they destroy life and happiness. Entertainment, recreation, sexual indulgence, a leisurely lifestyle, education, business success, material possessions, the perfect spouse, nor a fit body will give you a prosperous and happy life. Only the wisdom of God can give you these things.
Solomon personified wisdom as a desirable woman in several early sections of Proverbs (1:20-33; 2:4; 3:15-18; 4:5-13; 8:1-36; 9:1-12). In this section, he has taught that she is more precious than rubies and incomparable to everything else in life (3:15), she brings long life with riches and honor (3:16), and her ways are pleasant and full of peace (3:17).
There was a tree of life in Eden, which was denied to our rebellious first parents by cherubims and a flaming sword (Gen 3:24). And there is a tree of life in heaven, which bears a unique fruit each month of the year, and which has leaves for the healing of the nations (Rev 2:7; 22:2,14). Therefore, the metaphor of a tree of life is powerful indeed.
Here it depicts the source of a prosperous and successful life. By learning wisdom and obtaining understanding, a man has the basis for a good and happy life in his possession. A tree of life bears fruit for a wonderful life. Every man that seeks and obtains wisdom has found a metaphorical tree of life. He may freely take its fruit and live the good life.
What is wisdom? It is fearing the Lord and keeping His commandments. The blessed God of the Bible is the Source and End of all things, and He offers perfect knowledge and understanding for those who will believe and obey His inspired scriptures. Wisdom is the power of right judgment for life's decisions, learned from trusting God and His Word.
The blessings upon such a man are great in two ways - he makes right choices in life and reaps the wonderful results, and God supernaturally blesses him for his obedience. From beginning to end, the Bible speaks of the abundant life of such a man (Deut 32:46-47; Josh 1:7-9; Ps 1:1-3; 112:1-3; 128:1-6; 144:11-15; John 10:10; Heb 11:6; Jas 1:25).
David wrote, and Peter copied, "Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth." (Ps 34:11-16; I Pet 3:10-12.)
Wisdom is not only the means for success and happiness in this life, but in the next as well. The man who lays hold of wisdom and retains her obtains assurance and evidence of eternal life for his soul (Matt 7:21-23; Acts 10:34-35; II Pet 1:5-11). The greatest life and happiness is reserved in heaven for those who obey the Lord Jesus Christ.
A tree of life is before you. Will you pick its fruit and live in success and happiness, now and forever? The choice is yours. Your future begins today. Take the inspired and preserved Word of God, and humble yourself before its every word. Fall before the Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom it testifies throughout, and lay hold of eternal life (I Tim 6:12). Begin prospering today (8:1-21; 9:1-12)! The LORD Jehovah bless you!
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