Wisdom

A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.
Proverbs 29:11

This proverb is about more than anger. It's about self-control. Self-control is one of the fruit of the spirit, and it's one I believe that does not get as much air time as, say, love. But it is so important. Personally, sometimes I wonder if it was listed last in Galations because it sums up all the other eight fruits - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness - they all relate to self-control in some way. It is self-control that helps us choose to love when we are angry and frustrated, chose joy in the dark times, be patient when we want to surge ahead, be kind when we don't feel like it, choose the right thing because it is good, remain faithful and be gentle with one another. When we struggle with fruit, it is self-control that gets us through - the self-control and discipline to turn to Jesus when the going gets rough and not simply act out on our emotions because that's what feels good. Or alternatively, turn to Jesus when the going goes well, not just act on our emotions because that's what feels good.

This tree reminds me of wisdom. Proverbs is one of the wisest books I know, hence the reference.