“She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her,” Proverbs 3:18.
(Use Bible)
The tree of life in the Garden of Eden was a literal tree, whose amazing fruit apparently had the medicinal ability to retard the aging process indefinitely, even for men and women under God’s curse (Genesis 3:22-24).
This amazing tree will be planted again along the streets and rivers of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 22:2-3).
The writer of Proverbs used this tree if life and its health-giving qualities as a symbol of four attributes of a God-centered, spiritual life which can bring blessing to all those touched by it.
First of all, true Wisdom is like a tree of life, imparting true happiness to all those partaking of it, then guarding it.
Since wisdom is found in the Word of God, we must apply ourselves in study and meditation to know the Word and do it. “the law of the lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the lord is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7). Therefore, we must devote ourselves to know and understand the testimonies of the Lord. And here I commend not only faithful Bible study, but also regular reading of great books on theology and biblical interpretation, books that distill the wisdom of the greatest students of the word over the past 1900 years.
Secondly, “the fruit of the Righteous is a tree of life; and he who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30).
A life exhibiting genuine righteousness; one manifesting genuine wisdom, yields wholesome spiritual fruit to those who come in contact with it.
The third figure is given in Proverbs 13:12. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick: but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”
There is nothing more rejuvenating to the spirit than for a dream suddenly to come true after lyour long-continued hope has almost disappeared. An abiding, confident, always-continuing life of hope is a tree of life.
Finally, “A wholesome Tongue is a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4). “Wholesome” here means “healing.”
One can become a veritable tree of life by using their God-given privilege of speech not to complain or criticize; not in vulgarity or foolishness, but to comfort, encourage, instruct, others.
May God help each one of us to be a spiritual tree of life. Life has its seasons and at times this world can become a wilderness; but a life that demonstrates Wisdom, Righteousness and Hope can make the words of our mouth a Tree of Life. (Proverbs 18:21, Ephesians 4:29)
Have A Blessed Day:
Pastor Bob