She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.
What does Proverbs 3:18 mean?
No precious jewels or earthly treasures are worthy to be compared with true wisdom, whether the concerns of time or eternity be considered.
Key themes
Read with
Keep this verse inside Proverbs 3:17-18 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Proverbs 3:18
This and the other references in Proverbs P Romans 11:30 ; Proverbs 13:12 ; Proverbs 15:4 are the only allusions in any book of the Old Testament, after Genesis, to the "tree" itself, or to its spiritual significance. Further, there is the tendency to a half-allegorizing application of that history. "The tree of life" which Adam was not to taste lies open to his children. Wisdom is the "tree of life," giving a true immortality. The symbol entered largely into the religious imagery. of Assyria, Egypt, and Persia.
Context in Proverbs 3
Show chapter context
Proverbs 3 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as fatherly discourses on wisdom. Proverbs offers compact instruction on speech, work, wealth, friendship, sex, discipline, justice, and wisdom as a way of life before God. Read this chapter with the wider themes of wisdom, fear of the Lord, and speech in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
Explore by topic
Bible verses about anxiety and fear
Verses for readers searching for biblical language about fear, worry, troubled thoughts, and the call to trust God under pressure.
Verses on the fear of the Lord, wise speech, practical judgment, teachability, and the difference between biblical wisdom and mere cleverness.
Bible verses about justice and mercy
Key texts on public righteousness, neighbor-love, social ethics, compassion, and the prophetic refusal to separate worship from justice.
Passages on the nature of truth, honesty, deception, the word of God as truth, and Jesus' claim to be the truth.