Tree of Life

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who hold her fast. (Proverbs 3:18)

Wisdom is what is in view here. Wisdom is equated with a tree of life. The mind goes back to the garden…two trees. Only one forbidden. The tree of life is ignored and the forbidden tree, the tree of knowledge of good and evil, is chosen. Wisdom is surrendered because the human will is set in opposition to the will of God. And wise living became a foreign concept to the human race. Who would come and restore wisdom to humanity? The God Man, Wisdom Incarnate, would come and die on a tree. The cross, the tree of death, became the tree of life. Life is offered there for death…the outgrowth of sin and rebellion. Wisdom is only gained through acknowledging our foolishness of trying to live without God’s wise influence. Wisdom is gained when men recognize their desperate need for it. To gain wisdom we must access God Himself. Trying to live outside of God’s wise authority is foolish and fruitless. There are trees that our lives will represent. But if our life is to be one full of life and wisdom and bearing good fruit, we must be touching the tree of life. And we must hold on to it while the hurricane force winds of culture blow against us, trying to shake us loose. Wisdom is gained when we receive it from Christ…the Wisdom from on high. Wisdom brings a fruitful and blessed life. Hold on to the Wisdom of God. Let go of all other trees.