Before I begin, no I am not an environmentalist, and that is not what this post is about. However yes, I do believe that you need to be a tree hugger.
Let me explain.
The tree you need to hug is not a physical tree - it is wisdom.
Wait a minute... is wisdom a TREE??
Proverbs 3:18
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.
Not only is wisdom a tree, she is a tree of LIFE, and happy are all who retain her!
So... what do you do with wisdom trees?
You hug them.
What?
That's right. And HAPPY are all who retain them!
Wait a minute. Wisdom isn't physical - I can't just run into the backyard and hug it and call it good. So... how do you... hug... wisdom?
Proverbs 4:7
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Proverbs 2:4-5
If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 4:13
Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life.
Proverbs 4:8
Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
Do you want wisdom?
I mean duh, obviously.
You're not going to get it.
Aw man.
Let's try that again.
Do you want wisdom?
Yes!
That's better, but you'll still have a hard time finding it. Let's try again.
Do you want wisdom?
I won't be able to live without it! Please, whatever I need to do, get me wisdom!!!!
You will find wisdom.
Why did wisdom have to be a tree? Couldn't Solomon have used a different symbol - like gold for instance? Wouldn't everyone - even the fools - want wisdom if Solomon described it as gold? Wouldn't that be better?
Solomon knew that the wise would see past his symbol. The fools would say, "Oh a tree. I don't want to chase after trees," but the wise would say, "I'll spend my whole life seeking this tree!"
Why? What's the difference between gold and trees?
Trees grow - gold does not. Trees have roots, trees are alive. Today you may have gold, the next day you may not, whereas trees are firmly rooted in the soil. Trees turn carbon dioxide into oxygen - they are necessary for life on earth. Gold? It just makes life more convenient.
The fool says, "I want luxury and enjoyment and I want it now. I don't care what happens later."
The wise man says, "I'll prepare for the future. I may have to sacrifice now, but wait until eternity!"
That is the difference between gold and trees. When you find the tree of life - wisdom, you will grow with it. Wisdom blesses you so much that if you only had wisdom, you wouldn't need anything else! Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you. Love her, and she will keep you. Exalt her, and she will promote you. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor. She will place on your head an ornament of grace, and a crown of glory she will deliver to you. When you walk your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, your foot will not stumble.
I couldn't help but notice that in her left hand are riches and honor. You could translate that to fame and fortune - the idol that has captured the hearts of many. Many run after fame and fortune and regret that they didn't live at the end of their lives. They never enjoyed life, and they never found purpose. However, wisdom dangles those two in her left hand - they are two of MANY blessings and glories she bestows upon those who take hold of her. You NEED to be a {wisdom} tree hugger! Gold will but bring you gold, but wisdom offers so much more.
