Proverbs 3:18 Meaning and Explanation
“She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Wisdom is a tree of life to those who grasp and keep her.
The Context of Proverbs 3:18
Wisdom as the ultimate source of life and happiness.
What Does Proverbs 3:18 Mean?
Wisdom is the tree of life—echoing the primordial image from Genesis, the source of eternal life itself. Those who lay hold upon her (seize her, grip her) and retain her (hold her, keep her) receive life itself. The action is not passive; it requires grasping and keeping.
Happiness follows retention. The person who does not merely find wisdom but holds fast to it, making it permanent in their life, enters into perpetual blessing. She is not a temporary gain but a permanent companion and source of vitality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Proverbs 3:18
What does Proverbs 3:18 mean?
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who grasp and keep her.
What is the context of Proverbs 3:18?
Wisdom as the ultimate source of life and happiness.