Proverbs 11:30 - “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever wins souls is wise.”
What should be the chief aim, and life purpose of every Christian, is often an afterthought.
But the book of wisdom tells us: He who wins souls, is the wise man.
He does not mean to tell us about one act that some wise men possibly do.
He is telling us the outcome of a particular way of life. This outcome is the truest and noblest metric of wisdom. This outcome proves God’s blessing and approval over a life spent under the sun.
This outcome, is leading souls to Jesus.
He is not saying that handing out tracts makes someone a wise man. Or that being zealous to win souls makes everything you do in connection with that aim, “wise”. Evangelism is not simple an accessory that a foolish man can add to his life to consider himself wise.
Maybe you know that person. Wife and children aren’t fed or clothed properly because he is a full time (improperly paid) evangelist. Or a cantankerous and quarrelsome bloke with too many criticisms of churches to be able to attend one, but who door knocks and preaches the good news.
Or people who do anything and everything to get “conversions”. Even things the bible rejects. Racking up the soul tally count without biblical discernment or genuine follow up.
No, doing evangelistic looking things is not a coverall to make sure that you are a “wise” man.
This verse speaks of the outcome of a life. A result of an all encompassing intent and commitment. A harvest that follows sowing and discipline. The fruit of an intentional lifestyle, being born in its due season.
That outcome is souls led to Christ, and added to the Church.
But be warned of the pendulum swing. Don’t be so quick to avoid the ditch of the evangelistic yet foolish man, that you become the fruitless yet respectable man.
He is the man who epitomises stability, and constancy. He has a good work ethic, a pleasant family, a business or two, and a regular church attendance.
He gives sage advice. He warns. He shares concerns. And he carries weight in the community. He is approved by righteous men. He is called “wise” by church folk.
But is he called wise by God? Does his life bear the stamp of God’s approval?
According to Prov 11:30, it does, if his life leads to others becoming Christians. He is a righteous oak tree, it seems. But does he bear fruit that becomes “life”? Do others find Jesus because they have taken his counsel, and entered his orbit?
Unfortunately, “wise” and “soul winning”, are often not words that go together.
We must reject the false dichotomy! Reject the caricatures! Embrace the proverb, as God’s own Word: “He who wins souls is wise.” & “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.”
The Longview:
We are on earth for one chief purpose: to glorify God and enjoy him forever. And God has shown us that we best glorify him by bringing more souls to glory in him.
This is the most eternal work we can be about: saving immortal souls from eternal wrath, and thus creating eternal worshippers of God.
This being our chief aim, the whole purpose of our existence, how can we disagree with the Proverb’s logic: he who serves his ultimate purpose, is wise. That is, he who wins souls.
Wisdom makes the best use of time, to the best ends. A life posture that results in souls won for Christ is the best use of time, to the best end. Winning souls is the manifest fruit of wisdom.
Other things earn men’s approval. Souls won for Christ earns God’s. Other virtues are foremost in certain times and cultures. Winning souls is foremost in every time and culture.
Seek, labour, pray, trust: to live a life of such biblical wisdom and obedience, that at the end of your short life, you can look back and say: “God taught me wisdom, and souls shine in heaven because of it.”