The Tree of Life

For Friday, September 1, 2006
Proverbs 3:16-18

Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called blessed.

Wisdom proves her value. She provides long life. She keeps the possessor out of danger and provides discernment for knowing how to live a healthy life. She provides riches and honor. Through her the possessor makes wise decisions on the use of his money and teaches him not to waste his money on things that do not satisfy. By wisdom he receives recognition and respect from his neighbors.

Wisdom leads the possessor along the ways of pleasantness. He values and experiences those things that are good for the soul, uplifting for the spirit, and helpful to the body and mind. He walks along wisdom's path of peace. Guided by her he finds inner peace and learns to live peacefully with his neighbors. She provides an abundant, blessed life full of rich memories.

But understand the true value of wisdom. She leads the possessor to God who provides eternal life. Through wisdom the possessor has the eyes to see who Jesus Christ truly is and to embrace him. Through wisdom he finds pleasantness and peace in Christ who has reconciled him to God.

Wisdom is the tree of life, because wisdom is the Holy Spirit granting eternal life in Christ. The Spirit reveals to us the mysteries of God that he chooses to reveal in Christ and in his written Word. It is the Spirit who makes us wise to comprehend the Gospel and the Scriptures. It is the Spirit who convicts us of sin and gives us faith. It is the Spirit who applies the blessing of God.