The Tree of Life

Feb 11, 2016

A tree of life

Proverbs 11:30 AMP

The fruit of the [consistently] righteous is a tree of life,

And he who is wise captures and wins souls [for God—he gathers them for eternity].

Matthew Henry concise commentary

The righteous are as trees of life; and their influence upon earth, like the fruits of that tree, support and nourish the spiritual life in many.

Miyagi’s commentary

When a person is committed to the Lord Jesus Christ and is consistently righteous in all his ways, his life becomes a blessing to those around him.  His words become encouraging and edifying, and his life becomes a positive influence to others.   He becomes a tree of life.  Wherever he goes, he speaks of God’s goodness.  He is generous with the poor.  He prays for those troubled at heart.  He gives guidance to the lost.  He provides spiritual nourishment to those who are seeking God.  In essence, he leads others to Christ.  He wins souls for God.  

Summary conclusion:

A tree of life is someone who is a blessing to God and to everyone around him.  

Proverbs 3:18 AMP

She  (wisdom) is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,

And happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly.

Matthew Henry concise commentary

No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether the concerns of time or eternity be considered. We must make wisdom our business; we must venture all in it, and be willing to part with all for it. This Wisdom is the Lord Jesus Christ and his salvation, sought and obtained by faith and prayer. Were it not for unbelief, remaining sinfulness, and carelessness, we should find all our ways pleasantness, and our paths peace, for his are so; but we too often step aside from them, to our own hurt and grief. Christ is that Wisdom, by whom the worlds were made, and still are in being; happy are those to whom he is made of God wisdom. He has wherewithal to make good all his promises.

Miyagi’s commentary

Wisdom, according to the book of Proverbs, is also called a tree of life.  Wisdom also brings blessings to the one who embraces her.  Wisdom also generates positive influences and provides spiritual nourishment.  Godly wisdom, in essence, is the Lord Jesus Christ and His salvation.  Therefore, Jesus is the ultimate tree of life.

Wisdom does not come automatic.  We must make choices.  For example, Psalm 1:1-3 says:

1  Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example],

Nor stand in the path of sinners,

Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers).

2  But his delight is in the law of the Lord,

And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night.

3  And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water,

Which yields its fruit in its season;

Its leaf does not wither;

And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity].

We must delight in seeing the Lord each morning in our appointed time.  If a person loves the Lord, he looks forward to his time with the Lord before the busyness of the day begins.  This person shall be like a tree rooted and grounded in God.

This is the tree of life.  How do we get there? By prayer, meditation and study, by making choices for good and not for evil, by staying separated unto God.  And also by delighting in God, not in man.  Going to church on Sunday is just an event.  Going to God  is a regular, daily practice that will draw us closer to God.  He is the Tree of Life.  No other man can provide that.  Man can only bring temporary relief.  So this joy and blessedness comes from knowing and understanding what is this tree of life.  It only comes from Him through His word and the Holy Spirit.  If you spent this time of solitude with God, going into your prayer closet and just dwell there regularly, your relationship with Him will grow in leaps and bound.  Therefore, the value of Jesus Christ can be measured by the daily routine and practices of a so-called believer.

To embrace Jesus is to embrace “The Tree of Life.”  And when you do that, you will live long and prosper.  This is because life will generate life.   Jesus is our life.  He can give us life.  And He can extend our life.   He can add more life.  

Summary conclusion:

If you have the Lord Jesus Christ and His wisdom, you are a walking tree of life….providing nourishment and support wherever you go.

The big picture:

A tree of life gives life to those around him and in turn, he is blessed.  It is a win-win.  

The Byword:

To be a tree of life to others, we draw from the Tree of Life,  Jesus.  

Miyagi