“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30). I.An Extreme Interpretation Righteousness yields life and violence (wickedness) kills 1.Start with the assumption that the writer wishes to teach by contrasting statements (v.27 c.f v.25) 2.Interpret “wins souls” as “takes life” (1Kgs. 19:4 c.f. Gen. 24:67) 3.Change “wise” to “violent”

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30). I.An Extreme Interpretation Righteousness yields life and violence (wickedness) kills

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30). II. More Reasonable Interpretations – “the fruit of the righteous” The “fruit” is good deeds and influence of righteous and it leads others to life, The “tree of life” is the “fruit” of righteousness “the wise” wins souls One who wins souls is wise for doing so One who wins souls must be wise to do so

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30). 2 Important Biblical Principles  Christ’s death 2Cor.5:21  The nature if the Kg. of God Rm.14:17; 2Pet.3:13  The unrighteous denied entrance to the Kg. 1Cor.6:9  The righteous are debtors to others Psa. 51:12-13 Rom.1:14

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30). “The righteousness of God”  Revealed in the gospel (Rm.1:16-17)  Received through faith (Rm.1:16-17; 4:3)  By grace through forgiven (Rm.3:24-25)  Lead to life (Rm.6:23)  Permits conditions (Gen.6:8; Tit.3:5)

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30). Not by works of righteousness that we have done He saved us According to His mercy By washing of regeneration…By washing of regeneration… Baptism Baptism Titus 3:4-5 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30). “The righteousness of God”  Revealed in the gospel (Rm.1:16-17)  Received through faith (Rm.1:16-17; 4:3)  By grace through forgiven (Rm.3:24-25)  Lead to life (Rm.6:23)  Permits conditions (Gen.6:8; Tit.3:5)

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30).  Understands the value of a soul Matt.16:26  Redeeming the time doing the work of the Lord Eph.5:16-17  Will receive a “crown of rejoicing” 1Thess.2:19

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30). Don’t let alibis get in the way! God says...We say... “They won’t come.”“Go!” “We can’t.”“It is our duty to try.” “No one will listen.”“Plant & water; I’ll give the increase!” “We’re too busy.” “This is your business!”

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30).  Set your heart on being a soul winner  Pray  Sow bountifully  Try, try & try some more

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30).  Knowledge  An exemplary life  A sense of urgency  Patience  Meekness  Conviction

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise “ (Proverbs 11:30). 2 Important Biblical Principles