SEV Biblia, Chapter 3:18
Ella es árbol de vida a los que de ella echan mano; y bienaventurados son los que la mantienen.
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Proverbs 3:18
Verse 18. She is a tree of life ] µyyj Å[ ets chaiyim, "the tree of lives," alluding most manifestly to the tree so called which God in the beginning planted in the garden of Paradise, by eating the fruit of which all the wastes of nature might have been continually repaired, so as to prevent death for ever. This is an opinion which appears probable enough. The blessings which wisdom-true religion-gives to men, preserve them in life, comfort them through life, cause them to triumph in death, and ensure them a glorious immortality.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 18. She [is] a tree of life , etc.] Or “lives” f74 ; so Christ is called, ( Revelation 2:7 22:2,14); in allusion to the tree of life in the garden of Eden, ( Genesis 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, ( Hebrews 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” f75 ; (see Song of Solomon 3:4 Genesis 32:26); 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”, ( 2 Timothy 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. Michaelis; so Mercerus.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 13-20 - 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 Chris and his salvation, sought and obtained by faith and prayer. Were it no for unbelief, remaining sinfulness, and carelessness, we should fin 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.
Original Hebrew
עץ 6086 חיים 2416 היא 1931 למחזיקים 2388 בה ותמכיה 8551 מאשׁר׃ 833
