What does it mean to "win souls" according to Proverbs 11:30? Setting the Verse in Front of Us “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.” (Proverbs 11:30) Unpacking Key Terms • Fruit – the visible produce of a person’s life and character • Righteous – one who is aligned with God’s revealed standards (Psalm 1:1-3) • Tree of life – a source of ongoing, life-giving blessing (Genesis 2:9; Revelation 22:2) • Wins – literally “takes, captures, brings over” (cf. 2 Samuel 15:6) • Souls – whole persons, their eternal inner being (Genesis 2:7) • Wise – acting with God-given skill in living (Proverbs 9:10) What “Winning Souls” Means • Actively turning people from the path of death to the path of life in God (James 5:20) • Persuading them to trust the Lord for salvation (Acts 4:12) • Doing so by a combination of righteous character and clear proclamation (Matthew 5:16; Romans 10:14-15) • Engaging hearts and minds so they embrace God’s truth (2 Corinthians 5:11) • Standing in line with God’s own mission: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10) How the Righteous “Win” 1. Integrity that attracts • Consistent holiness gains a hearing (Philippians 2:15-16). 2. Wise words seasoned with grace • “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life” (Proverbs 10:11). 3. Intentional relationships • Paul “became all things to all men” to save some (1 Corinthians 9:22). 4. Prayerful dependence • Only the Spirit opens hearts (John 16:8; Acts 16:14). 5. Faithful proclamation of the gospel • Christ died and rose—this message “is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). Why Scripture Calls This Person “Wise” • Eternal stakes: souls are immortal (Matthew 16:26). • Kingdom priority: saving the lost echoes heaven’s joy (Luke 15:7). • Lasting reward: “Those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars” (Daniel 12:3). • Obedience to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Encouragement for Today Living righteously and sharing the gospel are inseparable. When our lives grow into a “tree of life,” God uses us to draw others to Himself. That is true wisdom—and true soul-winning. |
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