Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 11:30, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
American Standard Version
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that is wise winneth souls.
World English Bible version
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls.
Proverbs 11:30 Meaning & Commentary
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise. – Proverbs 11:30 (ESV)
When we think of a tree with fruit, it is not there to be observed and looked at. Fruit should be picked and eaten. The Bible likens the fruit of the righteous to a tree of life. This means the life of a righteous person and the fruit in and through their lives should feed, nourish and encourage others.
Paul the Apostle told the church at Corinth to imitate him, as he was imitating Christ: 1 Corinthians 11:1 – Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. This shows that Paul was walking as Christ; therefore, his life was an example, or we could say a “tree of life” for others to observe, but even to eat from, metaphorically speaking.
In the book of Proverbs, we see the tongue of the righteous being likened to choice silver, and their mouth carrying wisdom: Proverbs 10:31 – The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off. This is another example of the righteous and the fruit (what they bear or carry) being a tree of life to others.
The second part of Proverbs 11:30 says that whoever captures souls is wise. The initial implication is that capturing souls is bringing people into The Kingdom of God. However, this is more than that; this speaks about winning a person over. You see, it’s easier for someone to listen to you if you have built a relationship with them and won them over.
It’s very hard for anybody to listen to someone they do not respect or like. A wise person will take the time to build relationships with others, which will open many doors and avenues for the gospel, but even more than just the gospel. It could open opportunities, jobs, ideas, and more. A wise person “captures” souls!
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 11:30 to our lives?
For the first part of Proverbs 11:30, there is a two-fold application. Firstly, we become a “tree of life” to others, and secondly, we surround ourselves with others who are a “tree of life”. Simply speaking, we become a tree of life and start bearing good fruit by walking with God and seeking Him.
The Bible says that if we ask for Wisdom, he will give it to us: James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. As we grow in knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, we can impart to others what we have inside of us.
The Bible says that we rub off on each other and help one another grow: Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. We need to surround ourselves with people who nourish us, feed us, and challenge us to be better. This way, we always have “trees of life” we can eat from.
As for capturing souls, this is wise to do. You never know who another person is or what they may be carrying. Building relationships with people is so important. Of course, it can open doors for us to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, but it could bring us our next promotion, job opportunity, or platform to launch us into the next phase of our lives.
We need to take time to connect with other people, build relationships, and never burn bridges in our lives, as far as it depends on us. This is what a wise person does – They capture souls, the most valuable commodity on earth!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for challenging me with your word today. I desire to be more like you so that I may bear good fruit and, in so doing, be a tree of life for others to eat from. I pray that when people encounter me, they may experience you.
Please help me to surround myself with people who can challenge and help me to become better and more like you every day. I desire to be a wise person who captures souls for Your Kingdom, but also someone who sees the value in each person. I pray and ask this all in Jesus’ name. Amen!
