Without the revelation knowledge of God, there would be no foundation for truth. God therefore reveals to us that which is pertinent; so that our understanding, and our relationship with Him can be correct: without controversy and contempt. We build upon the revelation of truth, and stand on the Word of God; so that when He appears, we shall look just like Him. My prayer is that God encourages you and strengthen you, through the keeping power of the Holy Spirit. The Twelve Fruits of the Tree of Life is God's provision for the believer, the child of God. Reading is fuel for the mind. Food is fuel for the body. The Word of God is fuel for the soul. You are what you eat. Each fruit has it's own texture, taste and quality: but all provide the nourishment necessary for the growth of maturity in Him. Fast Foods, convenient foods, and junk foods can never take the place of a good home cooked meal. What God has 'cooked-up' for us not only will sustain us, but will also heal the wounds and scars left behind of our past. Amazing are the benefits when we eat right. This book is designed to allow us to absorb the goodness of God's provision through correct eating-not of natural foods, but of spiritual ("...man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God"). So let us eat to live, and grow in the knowledge of grace, peace and the power of the Holy Ghost. Ernest C. Watson, Jr.-Ordained Preacher of the Gospel of Christ
The Twelve Fruits of the Tree of Life
By ERNEST C. WATSON, JR.AuthorHouse
Copyright © 2010 Ernest C. Watson, Jr.
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4520-4344-9Contents
Chapter 1. The Fruit of Wisdom and Understanding.......................1Chapter 2. The Fruit of Discretion.....................................11Chapter 3. The Fruit of Instruction....................................17Chapter 4. The Fruit of Diligence......................................23Chapter 5. The Meaning of Righteousness................................31Chapter 6. The Fruit of the Mouth of the Righteous.....................39Chapter 7. The Fruit of the Labor of the Righteous.....................49Chapter 8. The Fruit of the Righteous..................................57Chapter 9. The Fruit of the Way of Righteousness.......................65Chapter 10. The Fruit of the Desire of Hope............................73Chapter 11. The Fruit of the Law of the Wise...........................81Chapter 12. The Fruit of the Fear of God...............................89Chapter 13. The Fruit of a Wholesome Tongue............................97
Chapter One
The Fruit of Wisdom and Understanding
Proverbs 3: 13-18- "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her".
Such a precious commodity. Such a valuable asset. Yet many go through life without the benefit of having wisdom and understanding. Many struggle not having the correct response, nor the know-withal to negotiate the course for a safe result. If there has ever been a time in your life where you wished that you would have had the wisdom and understanding concerning a matter, then you needed to eat of this fruit. If there has ever been a time when you didn't know what to do, or even now don't know; then examine the texture of the fruit of wisdom and understanding, and see for yourself and behold the beauty of her. Its' usefulness surpasses imagination, and its' timeliness brings warmth and light. Happy is the description of the soul that finds wisdom and understanding: so seek them out now.
It is written, "wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding". Whatever is principal is first; so let us first examine what wisdom is.
If you look in the very fine and capable Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, you will find that wisdom is described as- the quality of being wise; the faculty of making the best use of knowledge, experience, understanding, etc.; good judgment; sagacity. That is a good description of the character of wisdom; but it does not answer what it is. Wisdom is a spirit. It is one of the seven spirits that are before the throne of God (Isaiah 11: 2). It is given by God and available to anyone who ask for it. It was given by God in times past, and today; for the work to be done in whatever capacity so desired by Him.
God has filled men and women with the spirit of wisdom, stirring-up in their hearts, the ability to know and to make an abundance of things fitted for use. In simple terms: because that God had made all things, His way has been determined by His statues and commandments. An auto-manufacturer produces cars/trucks by combining different systems by design. They are aware of why the different systems act individually as they do. Through understanding, they are aware of how the systems operate, and thus, are made compatible with each other. Through knowledge, they are able to put together a finished product for market. Typically, wisdom answers' the how. Understanding answers' the why. Knowledge answers' the what.
It can be said that man is wise because of the wisdom he has. The wisdom that man has is based upon the nature of his will. There is the wisdom of man. There also is the wisdom of God. God gives what is His, and His wisdom cannot be surpassed. The psalmist said, how manifold are God's works. In wisdom He has made all things: the earth is full of His riches. The Lord gives wisdom: and out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous; and that wisdom is able to hold and sustain all them that walk uprightly (or within the wisdom). We should pray that the Lord teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Also, to make us aware of our moments, so that we shine in the night. Let the beauty of the Lord be upon us; and establish the work of our hands, so that we can magnify the righteousness of His grace. Let us not be scornful, nor have pride with contention-in the which will never find wisdom. But knowledge is easy to him that understands; for the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
Job 28:12-28 says, "But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not with me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. Whence then cometh wisdom? And where is the place of understanding? Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air. Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears. God understandeth the way thereof, and he knoweth the place thereof. For he looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven; to make the weight for the winds; and he weighteth the waters by measure. When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder: Then did he see it, and declare it; he prepared it, yea, and searched it out. And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding".
Wisdom is the first voice you hear before you do anything. For those who intercept the hearing of it; success and even great success has been accomplished. For those who do not hear and/or heed to that voice; mis-fortune and even despair has been the result. Through desire man, having separated himself, seeks and inter-meddles with all wisdom. All we need do is ask for it. That still quiet voice will guide. Just turn-off the loud speaker in your mind-called self will-and listen to what is being said. It will speak. It has been sent. This is the way of the Lord. And for those who fear him, it is the beginning of wisdom. When you receive it, it comes with a reward: and the expectation shall not be cut off. Embrace it, and it will not make you ashamed.
The voice of wisdom is a tree of life to all that bow their heads down to do it. There shouldn't be any debate with it. Don't try to compromise it's integrity. The fear of the Lord (which will be discussed later in another chapter) will separate you...
