Wisdom Is a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:13-18)

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding” (v. 13). The wisdom of God doesn’t give wealth or power, but happiness. The world offers happiness through accumulation, mindless self-indulgence, and applause, but the Word teaches otherwise: true happiness is found in wisdom. This is no generic wisdom, but the wisdom that fears the Lord, trusts in His Word, and walks in His ways (cf. Psalm 1, where “blessed” can also be translated “happy”). To find her is not to escape sorrow but to be rooted in joy even when sorrow comes—it’s the paradox of a funeral that sings the joy of an Easter hymn. She is more profitable than silver and gold, more precious than rubies, and nothing we desire can compare with her (vv. 14-15); for wisdom does not simply tell us what to do—she shows us who God is.

“Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor” (v. 16). Wisdom gives with open hands, not clenched fists. But her riches are not counted in coin; they are peace in adversity, integrity in temptation, and hope in affliction. She’s not a treasure to be hoarded but a companion to be embraced. “Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace” (v. 17). Not ease, but peace. Not comfort without suffering but comfort in suffering. The wise are not exempt from hardship; they walk through it differently—with eyes lifted higher and hearts held fast by the Word of God.

Then Solomon gives us the image that ties it all together: “She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her” (v. 18). This is more than poetry. The “tree of life” harkens back to Eden where man first walked with God, and forward to Revelation where the tree’s leaves are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2). She is not merely instruction; she is restoration. To take hold of her is to take hold of Christ, who is the Wisdom of God incarnate—our peace, our life, our joy.

Therefore, cling to her like an infant to its mother’s bosom for that wonderful, spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2; 1 Corinthians 3:1-2). Let wisdom be more than a lesson learned; let her be the air you breathe and the path you walk. Let her Word dwell richly in you, for in doing so, you hold fast to the lifegiving tree of the cross. And when you feel weary, look up: her branches are full of fruit, her leaves do not wither, and all who rest in her shade find life—not just now, but forever.