Proverbs 3:18
Verse
Context
Sermons
Michael L. Brown
Samuel RutherfordSummary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wisdom allegorized as a tree of life-- (Gen 2:9; Gen 3:22) whose fruit preserves life, gives all that makes living a blessing.
John Gill Bible Commentary
She is a tree of life,.... Or "lives" (b); so Christ is called, Rev 2:7; in allusion to the tree of life in the garden of Eden, Gen 2:9; he being the author of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal; which souls may come at, and pluck and eat of the fruit which is upon him in great plenty and variety, even all the blessings of grace and glory; to them that lay hold upon her; which is expressive of an act of faith on Christ, Heb 6:18; faith lays hold on the person of Christ as a Saviour, and will have him and no other; it comes to the blood of Christ, and deals with it for pardon and purification; it lays hold on his skirt, who is a Jew, on the robe of his righteousness, and puts it on; it lays hold on his strength, and goes forth in it, in the exercise of grace and discharge of duty; it lays hold on his covenant, the blessings and promises of it, and takes them to itself: and this act supposes danger without him, safety in him, a view of suitable provisions for food and clothing with him; some strength of grace, and some degree of resolution; also condescension on Christ's part to suffer himself to be handled by them; and likewise that he first took hold on them and brought them out of a state of nature to himself: great encouragement there is for sensible sinners to lay hold on Christ; he is set before them in the Gospel to be laid hold on; he never discourages any from so doing, nor casts out any that come to him; he is able to bear the stress of their salvation they lay upon him; multitudes of lost sinners have been saved by him: and he is a tree of life, as the text says, to such persons; they have spiritual life, and the support and comfort of it, from him now, and may expect everlasting life from him hereafter; and happy is everyone that retaineth her; or "holds her fast" (c); see Sol 3:4; as such may be said to do who constantly apply to him for fresh communications of grace; who walk on in him as they have received him, and hold fast the profession of their faith in him. The phrase is expressive of great affection to him, and strong faith in him; faith keeps its hold of Christ through great darkness and many difficulties; oftentimes the soul walks in darkness, and yet stays itself on Christ, and, Abraham-like, believes in hope against hope. Faith is sometimes very low, and yet lets not go its hold; it fails not, through the prevalent intercession of Christ; it cannot so let go its hold as that there is a parting; a partial departing there may be, but not a total one: however, it is sometimes very difficult for faith to keep fast hold of the Redeemer; it is for the honour and comfort of believers so to do; and it is their mercy that interest in Christ, and salvation by him, do not depend on acts of faith; for, though "we believe not, yet he abides faithful", Ti2 2:13; nevertheless happy are they that retain him, or are steadfast in their faith on him; they have much communion with him now, and shall live with him for evermore hereafter. (b) "lignum vitarum", Montanus. (c) "significatur hoc verbo, firmitas et constantia in tonendo", Michaelis; so Mercerus.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18 The tree of life alludes to the original tree in the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:9).
Proverbs 3:18
The Blessings of Wisdom
17All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. 18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Itching Ears
By Michael L. Brown98445:24PSA 119:105PRO 3:18ISA 30:8ISA 30:11JER 23:29ACT 24:25In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love and warning others. He quotes Robert Lernick Shane, who suggests that if we truly loved others, we would warn them about the dangers they face. The preacher also highlights the need for sound doctrine and warns against the temptation to follow teachings that cater to our own desires. He mentions the concept of holding revivals, particularly in the American context, and suggests that there may be more to the gospel message that people need to hear. The sermon concludes by discussing the importance of the gospel message to both lost sinners and the church, emphasizing the need for individuals to recognize their own lostness and turn to faith in Christ Jesus.
Xiv. to Lady Kenmure
By Samuel Rutherford0PSA 133:1PRO 3:18JHN 15:4JHN 20:29HEB 12:8Samuel Rutherford, a prisoner of Christ, writes a letter filled with grace, mercy, and peace to a lady, encouraging her to continue learning and growing in her faith despite her troubles. He assures her that Christ is keeping mercy for her and urges her to love Him dearly, emphasizing that there is more to be seen and felt in Him. Rutherford expresses his longing to hear about the lady's child and sends blessings and mercies from God to the child.
Jehovah's Declaration, Behold the Man Is Become as One of Us, Considered.
By John Gill0Redemption through ChristThe Fall of ManGEN 3:22PRO 3:18MAT 28:19JHN 1:1JHN 8:58JHN 17:21ROM 5:12EPH 4:24REV 2:7REV 22:2John Gill preaches on Genesis 3:22, emphasizing Jehovah's declaration that man has become like one of us, reflecting on the fall of humanity and the profound consequences of sin. He explores the nature of God speaking to Adam, the implications of man's lost state, and the prevention of Adam from accessing the tree of life, which symbolizes dependence on God and the promise of salvation through Christ. Gill highlights the duality of man's condition—both as created in God's image and as fallen—and the necessity of recognizing Christ as the true source of life and redemption. The sermon concludes with a call to reject self-reliance and to seek life solely through faith in Jesus Christ, the promised Savior.
Of the Honour and Happiness of Man in a State of Innocence.
By John Gill0InnocenceDivine ProvisionGEN 2:8PSA 115:16PRO 3:18ISA 45:18LUK 23:43EPH 5:31REV 22:2John Gill emphasizes the honor and happiness of man in a state of innocence, focusing on Adam's creation and his placement in the Garden of Eden. He describes how Adam was endowed with wisdom, knowledge, and the responsibility to cultivate the garden, which was a symbol of God's provision and care. The sermon highlights the significance of Adam's communion with God, the joy of his labor, and the creation of Eve as a partner, illustrating the divine intention for companionship and community. Gill also reflects on the deeper spiritual implications of these events, connecting them to the nature of Christ and the church. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the ideal state of humanity before the fall, marked by harmony with God and creation.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Wisdom allegorized as a tree of life-- (Gen 2:9; Gen 3:22) whose fruit preserves life, gives all that makes living a blessing.
John Gill Bible Commentary
She is a tree of life,.... Or "lives" (b); so Christ is called, Rev 2:7; in allusion to the tree of life in the garden of Eden, Gen 2:9; he being the author of life, natural, spiritual, and eternal; which souls may come at, and pluck and eat of the fruit which is upon him in great plenty and variety, even all the blessings of grace and glory; to them that lay hold upon her; which is expressive of an act of faith on Christ, Heb 6:18; faith lays hold on the person of Christ as a Saviour, and will have him and no other; it comes to the blood of Christ, and deals with it for pardon and purification; it lays hold on his skirt, who is a Jew, on the robe of his righteousness, and puts it on; it lays hold on his strength, and goes forth in it, in the exercise of grace and discharge of duty; it lays hold on his covenant, the blessings and promises of it, and takes them to itself: and this act supposes danger without him, safety in him, a view of suitable provisions for food and clothing with him; some strength of grace, and some degree of resolution; also condescension on Christ's part to suffer himself to be handled by them; and likewise that he first took hold on them and brought them out of a state of nature to himself: great encouragement there is for sensible sinners to lay hold on Christ; he is set before them in the Gospel to be laid hold on; he never discourages any from so doing, nor casts out any that come to him; he is able to bear the stress of their salvation they lay upon him; multitudes of lost sinners have been saved by him: and he is a tree of life, as the text says, to such persons; they have spiritual life, and the support and comfort of it, from him now, and may expect everlasting life from him hereafter; and happy is everyone that retaineth her; or "holds her fast" (c); see Sol 3:4; as such may be said to do who constantly apply to him for fresh communications of grace; who walk on in him as they have received him, and hold fast the profession of their faith in him. The phrase is expressive of great affection to him, and strong faith in him; faith keeps its hold of Christ through great darkness and many difficulties; oftentimes the soul walks in darkness, and yet stays itself on Christ, and, Abraham-like, believes in hope against hope. Faith is sometimes very low, and yet lets not go its hold; it fails not, through the prevalent intercession of Christ; it cannot so let go its hold as that there is a parting; a partial departing there may be, but not a total one: however, it is sometimes very difficult for faith to keep fast hold of the Redeemer; it is for the honour and comfort of believers so to do; and it is their mercy that interest in Christ, and salvation by him, do not depend on acts of faith; for, though "we believe not, yet he abides faithful", Ti2 2:13; nevertheless happy are they that retain him, or are steadfast in their faith on him; they have much communion with him now, and shall live with him for evermore hereafter. (b) "lignum vitarum", Montanus. (c) "significatur hoc verbo, firmitas et constantia in tonendo", Michaelis; so Mercerus.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18 The tree of life alludes to the original tree in the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:9).