The Tree of Life vs. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

Jesse Kauffman

Jul 2 • General discussion & FUN

What does it have to do with communication, healing, and how you walk out your marriage?

Let’s go back to the beginning…

In the Garden of Eden, God placed two significant trees:

1️⃣ The Tree of Life

2️⃣ The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil

They weren’t just decorative. They represented two completely different ways of living—two heart postures. And that choice still shows up today…In how we see our spouse. How we parent. How we lead. How we process pain and seek direction.👇

🔹 The Tree of Life flows from intimacy with God. It invites trust and connection. It makes space to hear, not just speak. It asks questions with humility—seeking to understand rather than react. It surrenders outcomes and allows God room to work in the process.

🗣 In marriage, this sounds like:

“I don’t need to have the final word.”

“I wonder what they’re really feeling under the surface.”

“I choose to speak life into what God’s building in them.”

“There’s grace for where we are—God’s still writing our story.”

📖 “Trust in Adonai with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5–6 TLV

📖 “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical.” – James 3:17 TLV

📖 “Abide in Me, and I will abide in you…” – John 15:4 TLV

🍏 The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil flows from control and fear. It assumes. It judges. It creates division through self-righteousness, even when it's trying to do what's “right.”It already has an answer before asking a question. It speaks quickly but struggles to listen or receive.

🗣 In marriage, this sounds like:

“They never change. I’ve said this a thousand times.”

“If they really cared, they’d just do it.”

“I guess I just married wrong.”

“This must not be God because it's hard.”

📖 “For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he is fooling himself. But let each one examine his own work.” – Galatians 6:3–4 TLV

📖 “For the sinful nature craves what is against the Ruach… But if you are led by the Ruach, you are not under law.” – Galatians 5:17–18 TLV

🔥 Here's the truth: Both trees offer a kind of wisdom. But only one leads to life.

The Tree of Life anchors you in love, surrender, and alignment. The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil pulls you into control, blame, and isolation.

This shows up when you:

– Overanalyze your spouse instead of seeking connection

– Walk on eggshells instead of bringing your truth

– Expect perfection but don’t make room for grace

– React out of pain instead of bringing it into the light

💡 You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to return to the Tree of Life.

📖 Scriptures for deeper study:

Genesis 2–3

Proverbs 3:5–6

John 15:1–5

James 3:17

Galatians 5:22–25