Proverbs 3:18 (NKJV) — 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.

Proverbs 3:18 (KJV 1900) — 18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: And happy is every one that retaineth her.

The first mention of the tree of life is in Genesis 2:9.

Genesis 2:9 (NKJV) — 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

If the tree of the knowledge of good and evil represents sinful choices and carnal “wisdom,” the tree of life may represent true, spiritual wisdom. It is necessary to “take hold” of wisdom and to “retain” her.  Fallen human nature tends toward ignorance and folly; a disciplined effort to pursue and retain godly wisdom is necessary.

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