In this Proverbs 3:18 Devotional, we’ll discover the beauty and depth of Godly wisdom, described in scripture as “a tree of life.” This verse invites us to consider the blessings that come from embracing God’s wisdom and allowing it to grow within us, like a tree with strong roots and mature branches. By exploring the symbolism of the “tree of life” and reflecting on how true wisdom leads to the ways of pleasantness, we’ll see how God’s hand guides us to the blessings of grace in our lives.
If You Were a Tree…
In my younger days, I went on a lot of job interviews. The one question I always dreaded was, “If you were a tree, what kind of a tree would you be?” I never could come up with an answer that satisfied the person conducting the interview. Should I say a weeping willow, sad and droopy? No, that sounds so depressing. What about a redbud, small and dainty? Nah, too delicate to describe me.
While it’s frustrating to come up with a good reply to this question, it isn’t completely without merit. The Bible uses the metaphor of a tree to illustrate the Christian life. And we’re going to take a look at one of the most popular verses about a tree in this Proverbs 3:18 Devotional. Let’s explore the meaning, significance, and practical application of this scripture as we live out our faith each day.
What is the Meaning of Proverbs 3:18?
In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman, referred to as “Lady Wisdom.” Let’s read this inspiring scripture now…
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.
Proverbs 3:18 New International Version
Proverbs 3:18 tells us that wisdom is a “tree of life”, a source of great value for those who hold her fast. This tree of life isn’t just a symbol of wisdom, it represents the blessings that come from God to anyone who seeks understanding.
The phrase “lay hold of her” reflects the active faith that we must exercise in our spiritual lives. It’s an act of faith that we consciously choose to embrace wisdom. True wisdom, God’s wisdom, leads us on “pleasant ways” and “paths of peace,” giving us a fulfilling and long life.
The wisdom spoken of here isn’t the wisdom of the world or the earthly treasure society tells us to seek. Instead, it’s Godly wisdom, rooted in the fear of the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
When we honor God’s wisdom above our own understanding, we experience the blessings of grace and peace, a priceless treasure that’s greater than any temporary, worldly knowledge we may possess.
The Symbolism of a Tree of Life
The “tree of life” is a powerful and ancient symbol that appears in the Holy Bible as early as Genesis. In the Garden of Eden, the tree of life was a symbol of God’s provision and eternal life. In Proverbs 3:18, the tree of life reminds us that true wisdom from God sustains us in the same way. Just as a tree stands tall through the changing of the seasons, during the warm summer months and the harshness of winter, the wisdom of God provides us with strength, stability, and a rewarding spiritual life that will see us through whatever comes our way.
For Christians, this tree also points forward to the person of Christ, who is our ultimate source of wisdom and salvation. In Him, we have an anchor that keeps us firmly rooted in God’s Word and a strong faith, even as the seasons change. Holding fast to Christ is like grabbing onto the tree of life itself because He is our true source of eternal life. The symbolism of the tree also serves as a reminder of the great encouragement we have in Jesus. He’s the Author of Life who nurtures us, even in times of great darkness.
The book of Jeremiah gives us a verse that fills us with confidence and strength during these moments.
For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, Which spreads out its roots by the river, And will not fear when heat comes; But its leaf will be green, And will not be anxious in the year of drought, Nor will cease from yielding fruit.
Jeremiah 17:8 NKJV
Just as a tree planted by the water is sustained and nourished, we’re strengthened when we trust in the Lord and remain close to His Word. Even in times of spiritual drought or personal difficulty, we can flourish by drawing strength from God’s unfailing presence in our lives.
True Wisdom Comes from God
The pursuit of wisdom begins with a humble heart that reveres the Lord God. The book of Proverbs tells us,
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Proverbs 9:10 English Standard Version
True wisdom isn’t something we can gain through our own understanding. Instead, it’s a gift from God that grows as we seek Him in the various seasons of our lives.
As it is with most things that pertain to God, it’s the condition of our hearts that matters. It isn’t about being wise in the sight of other people, it’s about holding fast to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and knowledge we have in Him. Through faith, we take hold of the true wisdom that only comes from God, giving us real happiness, a good understanding, and the joy of the Lord within us.
True wisdom is also reflected in a great affection for God’s truth an loving His laws. This desire brings us better returns on our investment than any treasure we’ll ever have here on earth. As we trust in the Lord, His wisdom guides us, transforming us into a tree deeply rooted in God’s truth.
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The Blessing of God’s Wisdom
In the Old Testament, wisdom was a revered trait, often seen as a pathway to the blessings of great plenty and sound wisdom we long to experience. Just as the Tree of Life offered the blessings of Paradise to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, God’s wisdom offers us blessings in our spiritual life and restores the happiness of Paradise here and now.
God’s presence in our lives leads us toward true happiness. His wisdom guides us and gives us great encouragement, not only for today but also for the everlasting life that awaits us.
When we embrace Godly wisdom, He promises we’ll be blessed with length of days and years of life. This blessing goes beyond our physical longevity, reminding us of the fullness of life we have through our faith in Jesus, both spiritually and emotionally. God’s wisdom fills us with unending peace and joy. His ways are pleasant, giving us strength for the journey and a place to rest in times of trouble.
If we feel like we’re lacking wisdom, the book of James tells us to simply ask God and He will provide it.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5 ESV
When we seek God’s wisdom, He provides generously, filling our lives with clarity and peacefulness. His wisdom is a priceless gift, leading us along paths of righteousness and bringing blessings that far exceed our earthly understanding.
God’s Hand in Our Journey
In our journey of faith, we often encounter tough times, seasons of uncertainty, and moments where we must choose to trust God’s hand rather than our own understanding. Proverbs 3:18 reminds us that wisdom is a gift from God that transforms us, strengthens us, and brings us closer to Him. Just as God’s hand guided Israel in the ancient world, His hand guides us today, providing great encouragement as we navigate life’s hard times.
God’s hand blesses us with wisdom that leads to true happiness and guides us through every trial when we hold fast to Him.
The Virtues and Value of Wisdom
In Proverbs 3:18, wisdom is depicted as something worth holding onto, a good thing that has great worth and enriches our lives. As we grow in wisdom, we begin to see the virtues of faith, the great value of Biblical wisdom, and the strength that comes from living in God’s truth.
True wisdom is more precious than anything. Nothing we have can compare to gaining its virtues.
This scripture says it all…
for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Proverbs 8:11 NIV
Sound wisdom enriches our lives in ways that material wealth never can, guiding us in truth and righteousness. When we value wisdom as God does, setting aside our earthly desire for riches and turning our eyes to the virtues of Biblical wisdom, we’ll find lasting joy, fulfillment, and a life that honors Him.
Embracing Wisdom for True Happiness
This next verse is a celebration of honoring God with all that we have, showing us the pathway to wisdom.
Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10 NIV
Proverbs 3:18 encourages us to embrace God’s wisdom for the true happiness and eternal life it brings. It’s like a new wine, refreshing us and pointing us back to the presence of God, a place where we can experience the joy of a close relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the source of all wisdom.
The Apostle Peter encouraged us in this beautiful verse…
but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18 NKJV
This scripture motivates us to continually seek Godly wisdom and deepen our understanding of Jesus Christ. It helps us to understand that wisdom isn’t something we achieve on our own but is a gift we grow into as we seek God’s grace and knowledge. Embracing wisdom leads us to true happiness and is an ongoing act of faith, rooted in Christ Jesus, our Savior.
As we encounter new challenges, the tree of life remains strong, withstanding storms and producing new growth. Through wisdom, we hold onto Christ’s part in our lives, receive the blessings of His grace, and look forward to the paradise of God where wisdom will be fully known.
A Life Rooted in God’s Wisdom
In this Proverbs 3:18 devotional, we’ve seen how wisdom is more than knowledge, it’s a tree that brings spiritual life, stability, and the blessings of God’s presence. Through wisdom, we find ourselves rooted in God’s truth, sustained by His hand, and encouraged to face the various seasons of our lives. Just as the tree of life in the Garden of Eden symbolized eternal life, wisdom leads us to true happiness and everlasting life in Christ.
If you’re ever asked, “If you were a tree, what kind would you be?”, I hope you’ll answer, I’m a tree of life, firmly planted in Biblical wisdom and branching out with God’s truth!
By holding fast to wisdom, you’ll experience something better than anything this world can offer. You’ll gain more than just knowledge, receiving the strength of grace, the virtues of faith, and the presence of God’s Spirit in your life. So, seek wisdom, hold onto God’s hand, and allow His presence to guide you, knowing that, in the end, the tree of life, the wisdom of God, is the path to the eternal paradise of God.
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