The book of Proverbs makes mention of four things that are described as "a tree of life" - a source of sustenance to us - and I would like to take the next four weeks, if the Lord wills, to look closer at each one.
"[Wisdom] is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
and happy are all who retain her." (Proverbs 3:18 NKJV)
In both the book of Psalms and the book of Proverbs we find that "the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 11:10, Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). When we seek God and commence learning who He is and who we are before Him, when we determine daily to know and do His word and will, we will have tapped into the very source of true wisdom!
God is the only source of true wisdom. Consider James 3:13-17:
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in you hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." (NKJV)
Fortunately for us, God will generously give this wisdom to all who ask Him for it:
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
Wisdom from above will sustain us, strengthen and fortify us - be a tree of life to us - allowing us to stand firm amidst the storms of life! Retaining wisdom brings happiness because in it we come to know God and we learn who we truly are before Him (Psalm 144:15), we can know how to be right in His sight through study of His word, the Bible (Psalm 119:162, 2 Timothy 3:16-17), we can know how to behave toward others (Ephesians 4:1-3, Colossians 3:12-14, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13), and we can be wiser than our enemies (those who want to drag us down, away from God, Psalm 119:97-104, James 4:7), and we can have hope (Proverbs 24:13-14)!
"Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her." (Proverbs 3:13-15 NKJV)
Have you taken hold of wisdom? Have you discovered the sustenance that God provides through it? If not, let today be the day that you ask God for it! If you have and you have found the happiness that comes from having it, continue to ask God for more as you humbly seek to obey Him!
You can do it! So can I!!
Over the coming week, as the Lord wills, make time to read and think on Proverbs 3 & 4.
These chapters are chocked full of the wonderful benefits that come with wisdom!!
Thanks for hard work and dedication.
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