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Proverbs 11:30
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- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The following proverbs are especially directed, as connected with this כן, against the contradiction of the external appearance and of the masked internal nature. 20 An abomination to Jahve are the crookedly dishonest of heart, And they who are of honest walk are his delight.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a tree of life--Blessings to others proceed from the works of the righteous (Pro 3:18). winneth souls--(Compare Margin) to do them good as opposed to Pro 6:25; Eze 13:18 (compare Luk 5:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,.... Either the fruit which grows upon Christ, the tree of life, and which they receive from him; even all the blessings of grace, peace, pardon, righteousness, and life, Rev 2:7; or the fruits which the righteous bring forth under the influence of divine grace; they are trees of righteousness, and are filled with the fruits of righteousness by Christ, and have their fruit unto holiness, and their end everlasting life. Aben Ezra interprets it, "the fruit of the righteous is as the fruit of the tree of life;'' that is, lovely, beautiful, desirable, salutary, and issues in life; and he that winneth souls is wise; antichrist trades in the souls of men, that is one part of his wares, Rev 18:13; but his negotiations about them are to the loss, and not to the saving of them: whereas wise and faithful ministers of the word, such as are here described, use all prudent methods to gain and save the souls of men, Co1 9:19; even their precious immortal souls, which are of more worth than a world, are the immediate production of God, made after his image, which by sin they come short of; and having sinned, are liable to eternal death; the redemption of which is precious; the charge of which Christ has taken, and therefore is called the Shepherd and Bishop of souls; and which he commits to the care of his under shepherds, who watch for them, as they that must give an account. To "win" them is to teach them, for the word (g) has the signification of teaching or doctrine; see Pro 4:2; the ministers of Christ are teachers, qualified and sent by him as such; and their business is to teach men their state by nature, how sinful, miserable, and helpless they are; and also Christ, and the way of life by him; that salvation is in him, and in no other; that justification is only by his righteousness, peace and pardon by his blood, and atonement by his sacrifice: they also teach various other things; as the fear of God, faith in Christ, love to him, and obedience to all his commands. To win souls is to proselyte them and convert them to the true religion; to bring them into a love and liking of it, and to embrace it: the souls that Abraham got or made in Haran are supposed to be such; and the same with those trained or instructed in his house, whom he armed for the rescue of Lot, Gen 12:5; the former of which texts Jarchi compares with this, as explanative of it. The phrases of "turning many to righteousness", done by the "wise": and of "converting a sinner from the error of his way", whereby a "soul is saved from death", Dan 12:3, are a proper comment on these words: which, moreover, may be rendered, "he that taketh souls" (h); as a fort or castle is taken, and which is sometimes expressed by "winning"; see Ch2 32:1. The soul of man is a hold, and a strong hold, of foul spirits; it is Satan's palace or castle, which he keeps and holds against Christ, but is won and taken by him; which is usually done by means of the word, and the ministry of it, which are made effectual to the pulling down of strong holds, Co2 10:4. Or the allusion is to the taking or catching of birds in a snare, or fishes in a net. The souls of men are got into the snare of the devil, and they are taken out from hence by breaking this snare; by which means they escape the hands of the fowler, Satan, and come into better hands: the old serpent laid a bait for our first parents, by which he gained his point, and that was the fruit of the forbidden tree; but the bait which wise men lay to catch souls is the fruit of the tree of life, mentioned in the former clause, the blessings of grace in Christ. Again, Christ's ministers are called "fishers" of men, and are said to "catch" men, Mat 4:19; which they do by casting and spreading the net of the Gospel; the Gospel is the net; the world is the sea into which it is cast; where natural men are in their element, as fishes in the sea: the casting of the net is the preaching of the Gospel; and by means of this souls are caught and gathered in to Christ and his churches, Mat 13:47. Once more, the words are by some rendered, "he that allures souls" (i); which is done, not by the terrors of the law, but by the charming voice of the Gospel; by which souls are drawn to God and Christ, and brought among his people: and one that is an instrument of all this had need be "wise", and so he appears to be; he that teacheth men the knowledge of divine and spiritual things had need to be as he is, as a scribe well instructed in the kingdom of God; he who is to be the instrument of converting sinners must have a mouth and wisdom to address them in a proper manner; as he that wills a castle, or takes a fort, ought to have military skill as well as courage; and to cast a net well requires art as well as strength. (g) "qui docet", Pagninus, Baynus, Mercerus, Gejerus. (h) "Capit", Vatablus, Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "capit salutari doctrina", Michaelis. (i) "Allicit", Drusius, Gejerus.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This shows what great blessings good men are, especially those that are eminently wise, to the places where they live, and therefore how much to be valued. 1. The righteous are as trees of life; the fruits of their piety and charity, their instructions, reproofs, examples, and prayers, their interest in heaven, and their influence upon earth, are like the fruits of that tree, precious and useful, contributing to the support and nourishment of the spiritual life in many; they are the ornaments of paradise, God's church on earth, for whose sake it stands. 2. The wise are something more; they are as trees of knowledge, not forbidden, but commanded knowledge. He that is wise, by communicating his wisdom, wins souls, wins upon them to bring them in love with God and holiness, and so wins them over into the interests of God's kingdom among men. The wise are said to turn many to righteousness, and that is the same with winning souls here, Dan 12:3. Abraham's proselytes are called the souls that he had gotten, Gen 12:5. Those that would win souls have need of wisdom to know how to deal with them; and those that do win souls show that they are wise.
Proverbs 11:30
Dishonest Scales
29He who brings trouble on his house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. 30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Are You a Soul Winner
By Keith Daniel4.8K48:22Soul WinningPRO 11:30MAT 28:192CO 5:17PHP 2:15In this sermon, Brother Denny shares his personal testimony of his father's transformation through God's grace. He describes how his father, who was once broken and miserable, turned to alcohol to cope with his sorrows. However, in one moment, his father was completely delivered and filled with joy and peace through God's salvation. This transformation had a profound impact on Brother Denny and his family, leading them to realize the reality and permanence of God's work in their lives. Brother Denny emphasizes that when we are in Christ and experience this transformation, we are given the ministry of reconciliation and the responsibility to share the message of salvation with others.
Evangelism Series - Part 1
By Carter Conlon4.3K59:38EvangelismPRO 11:30MAT 6:33MAT 7:21JHN 14:26ACT 4:12ROM 8:111CO 15:57In this sermon, the speaker begins a three-week teaching session on the keys to personal evangelism. While he acknowledges the abundance of how-to books on witnessing, he emphasizes that personal evangelism is not just about the technicalities. The speaker focuses on the wisdom of winning souls and effectively communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He warns against machine-gun evangelism and urges believers to speak in a way that people can understand, just as Jesus did through parables. The importance of living where the people live and responding with wisdom is highlighted, as the Scripture says that he who wins souls is wise.
Elijah (Time for Renewal Conference)
By Carter Conlon3.4K51:24ElijahPSA 23:1PRO 11:30MAT 6:33MAT 16:181CO 1:18JAS 1:51PE 2:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the introductory message of the gospel, which is to trust in God and believe that He will provide. He uses the story of Elijah and the widow as an example of someone who received this message and experienced miraculous provision. The preacher emphasizes the importance of treating the little things with care and recognizing the awesomeness of representing God. He also prays for the speaker who will deliver the next message and asks for an anointing and a powerful impact on the listeners.
James 5 Expositional
By Chuck Smith2.8K1:05:55PRO 10:12PRO 11:30DAN 12:3JAS 5:1JAS 5:13JAS 5:19This sermon by James focuses on various important topics such as the warning to the rich about the dangers of setting their hearts on riches, the importance of patience in waiting for the Lord's coming, the significance of confessing faults and praying for one another, the power of fervent prayer, and the impact of converting a sinner from the error of their ways. James emphasizes the need for genuine faith, practical application of God's word, and the importance of reaching out to those who have strayed from the truth.
Break Up Your Fallow Ground
By Ian Paisley2.4K1:06:51RepentancePSA 51:10PRO 11:30HOS 10:12MAT 6:33LUK 8:111CO 3:6JAS 4:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking the Lord in our lives. He highlights the lack of deep meditation on God's Word and the need for born-again preaching. The preacher encourages the audience to sow bountifully in their preaching and evangelism efforts, reminding them that if they sow sparingly, they will reap sparingly. He also discusses the challenges faced by Christians in speaking out against Allah and the Quran, emphasizing the need to awaken to the dark days before Jesus comes again. Overall, the sermon calls for a renewed commitment to seeking the Lord and finding what has been lost.
Bible Study for Street Preaching
By Winkie Pratney1.9K1:01:30PRO 11:30This sermon discusses the practical aspects of conducting open-air street meetings, emphasizing the importance of drawing in crowds through engaging stories, music, and testimonies. It highlights the need for a structured yet flexible approach, utilizing portable equipment like trailers with PA systems and spotlights to create a captivating environment. The speaker shares insights on effective MC roles, handling hecklers, and providing invitations for people to respond to the message of Jesus Christ.
He Was Despised and Rejected of Men and We Will Be Also
By Keith Daniel1.7K1:22:45RejectionPRO 11:30MAT 21:13JHN 3:162CO 5:142TH 1:82TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher describes a disturbing incident where a person blasphemes and shows no fear of God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering that God loves the world and gave His only Son for salvation. The sermon highlights the power of Christ's love that drives believers to share the gospel and win souls. The preacher urges Christians to have compassion and urgency for the lost, warning that a lack of concern for the unsaved may indicate a lack of true faith.
He That Winneth Souls
By John R. Rice1.6K22:05PRO 11:30EZK 3:17MAT 28:19MRK 1:17JHN 14:15JHN 15:4ROM 1:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of winning souls, highlighting the seven sins of those who do not engage in soul-winning. It discusses the disobedience to the Great Commission, the lack of love for Jesus, the failure to follow Him, not abiding in Christ, dishonesty in neglecting the sacred trust of sharing the gospel, the folly of short-sightedness in not focusing on eternal rewards, and the grave consequence of spiritual manslaughter by failing to warn the wicked. The message urges Christians to repent of this sin and prioritize soul-winning.
10 Vital Evidences of Salvation
By Keith Daniel1.6K1:27:16PSA 142:4PRO 11:30PRO 15:28PRO 16:23DAN 12:3ROM 1:162CO 5:20COL 1:27PHM 1:6HEB 9:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of the Holy Ghost's power when Christians passionately share the gospel, urging believers to be soul winners. The sermon shares personal testimonies of leading souls to Christ and the urgency of reaching the lost before it's too late. It also stresses the need for boldness, courage, and a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel, as well as the fear of standing before God empty-handed. The sermon concludes with the importance of being equipped by God to effectively reach the lost and the promise that those who turn many to righteousness will shine brightly.
Are You a Soul Winner?! (2012)
By Keith Daniel1.3K54:11Soul WinningPRO 11:30DAN 12:3MAT 6:33HEB 9:27In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of being in war and the guilt and confusion he felt after killing someone. He expresses anger towards God for allowing such violence and suffering in the world. The speaker then reads verses from the Bible about God's judgment and the consequences of not being prepared to meet Him. He emphasizes the urgency of seeking God and being ready for judgment, as illustrated by a selfless act of sacrifice by a fellow soldier who protected him from gunfire.
Ye Are the Light of the World - Part 3
By Roy Daniel1.2K08:44PRO 11:30MAT 5:16JHN 15:21CO 13:1GAL 5:22This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine love and compassion in sharing the message of Christ. It highlights the significance of bearing fruit as Christians and the impact of sincere prayers and actions in leading others to Christ. The stories shared illustrate the power of selfless love, prayer, and living out the teachings of Jesus to touch and transform lives.
Documentary: God's Method of Saving Those Who Believe
By Pat Necerato1.2K03:39PRO 11:30ISA 6:8MAT 10:27MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ROM 1:16ROM 10:171CO 1:18This sermon emphasizes how God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, highlighting the power of the seemingly foolish message of the cross. It encourages believers to be willing to appear foolish for Christ, as seen in the open-air preaching of Jesus in various locations. The message stresses the importance of public proclamation of the gospel as God's ordained method to save those who believe, emphasizing the need to boldly proclaim the truth everywhere and at all times.
He That Winneth Souls - Part 2 of 3
By John R. Rice1.2K07:29PRO 11:30MAT 25:14JHN 3:16JHN 15:4ROM 1:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ to be fruitful in winning souls. It highlights the sin of not abiding in Christ, which hinders one from being a soul winner. The message also addresses the dishonesty in neglecting the sacred trust of sharing the gospel and the folly of short-sightedness in not winning souls, as described in the Bible.
The Evangelist
By Don Courville1.2K1:01:56PRO 11:30MAT 28:19This sermon emphasizes the role of an evangelist in winning souls for Christ, drawing parallels to the passion and dedication required in sharing the good news. It highlights the importance of having a heart filled with empathy, a duty to preach the gospel faithfully, and a belief in the power of God's Word to save. The message encourages a deep longing for the salvation of all, urging believers to be like Jesus in reaching out to the lost with love and urgency.
Warning People Full Time
By John R. Rice1.2K34:50WarningJOS 24:15PSA 19:7PRO 11:30EZK 3:17DAN 12:3ACT 16:31In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a vision in which the Spirit of God lifts him up and takes him to a group of captive people. He then emphasizes the importance of being a watchman for the house of Israel, warning the wicked of their impending judgment. The preacher shares a personal story of regret, where he failed to share the gospel with someone who later died. He warns the audience that they will one day face Jesus and be held accountable for the blood on their hands if they fail to share the gospel. The sermon concludes with a story of a girl who was not saved, and the preacher's realization that he must prioritize sharing the gospel with others.
Revival Men: C. T. Studd
By E.A. Johnston94221:38BiographyPSA 2:8PRO 11:30ISA 6:8MAT 28:19MRK 8:36LUK 15:7ACT 1:8In this sermon transcript, we learn about the life and testimony of C.T. Stutt, a man who dedicated his life to spreading the gospel. He had a worldly upbringing, but after a powerful encounter with God, he experienced joy and peace in his soul. Through conversations with Christian friends, he came to understand the concept of redemption and surrendered his life fully to God. He realized that God is responsible for taking care of him and all he had to do was trust in Him. This realization led him to follow God's guidance and ultimately become a missionary in Africa.
Somebody Prayed - Part 2 (Classic Audio Sermon Compilations)
By Compilations83109:06PSA 126:6PRO 11:30MAT 5:4LUK 19:41JHN 11:35ROM 12:152CO 2:4GAL 6:9JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine tears and heartfelt prayers in seeking God's intervention and salvation for others. It calls for a return to a deep, emotional connection with God, highlighting the power of weeping over lost souls and the need for a broken heart that truly cares for the salvation of others. The speaker shares personal experiences and examples of individuals deeply moved by the love of God, urging listeners to be sincere in their faith and to weep for those who are lost.
The Harvest
By Jim Cymbala81235:26HarvestPRO 11:30ISA 6:8MAT 28:19MRK 16:15ACT 1:8ROM 10:141CO 1:17In this sermon series called "Vital Truth," the preacher emphasizes the importance of living the Christian life based on the truths found in the Bible. The focus of the sermon is on the last commandment Jesus gave before ascending to heaven, which is to go into the world and share the gospel with everyone. The preacher emphasizes that this task cannot be solely left to pastors or professional evangelists, but it is the responsibility of every believer to share the gospel with those around them. The sermon concludes with a reminder that it is harvest time, and believers should be actively engaged in doing the will of God and finishing His work.
The Number One Goal to Share Christ as Chinese Underground Believers
By Edgar Reich74905:17PRO 11:30ISA 43:10JHN 14:15ACT 1:81PE 3:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared to share the hope of Christ with others, highlighting the need to revere Christ in our hearts, be set apart for Him, and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance. It encourages believers to write a short testimony, memorize a verse of Scripture, and share the message of salvation with love, gentleness, and respect.
Andrew Bonar 1
By Michael Haykin73647:44PRO 11:30ISA 53:6LUK 15:4JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 8:32EPH 4:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage Ephesians 4:1-16. He urges the listeners to live in a manner worthy of their calling, with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. The preacher emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity and peace within the body of Christ. He also highlights the grace given to each believer and the gifts that Christ has bestowed upon them. The sermon touches on the life of Andrew Bonner, particularly his dedication to evangelism and prayer.
Inside and Out
By Jack Hyles60030:07PSA 28:7PSA 119:105PRO 11:30MAT 28:19JHN 14:3ROM 12:112CO 5:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and serving Him. He shares his own experience of initially struggling with preaching and studying the Bible, but eventually finding inspiration and guidance from God. The preacher uses the example of David, who trusted in God's strength and protection even when he was running from his own son and facing difficult circumstances. The sermon emphasizes the reality of God's presence and salvation, stating that it is not just a crutch or a hoax, but something genuine and life-changing.
How to Fight Against Despair
By Basilea Schlink55504:35Radio ShowPSA 18:2PRO 11:30MAT 5:16LUK 21:28JHN 14:27ROM 8:372CO 1:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of our response to Jesus' challenge in Luke 21:28 to "look up and raise your heads" because our redemption is drawing near. The speaker highlights that where we choose to look determines our character and behavior. Jesus understands the suffering and darkness of our times and calls us to turn our eyes upon Him. By fixing our gaze upon Jesus, we can experience His peace, strength, and joy, and be lifted out of despair and darkness. The speaker encourages us to speak aloud Jesus' words and promises, praise Him in song, and absorb His nature, love, and imminent victory.
(Through the Bible) Proverbs
By Zac Poonen44657:05PRO 1:7PRO 3:5PRO 11:30PRO 14:12PRO 16:18PRO 22:4PRO 27:23PRO 29:18PRO 31:30This sermon delves into the wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, emphasizing the importance of balancing devotion to God with practical living on earth. It covers a wide array of topics including wisdom, hard work, speech, relationships, discipline, humility, and the fear of the Lord. The sermon highlights the need for humility, diligence, discernment, and the pursuit of God's wisdom in daily life.
Evangelism 06 Urgency of Soul Winning
By Welcome Detweiler42744:19PRO 11:30DAN 12:3MAT 6:33JAS 5:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of winning souls for God. He emphasizes the power of gospel tracks in spreading the truth and encourages believers to always carry them and be ready to share the way of salvation with others. The preacher also highlights the need for careful selection of tracks and books to ensure they accurately represent the message of God. He then addresses the issue of sin and the inability of humans to save themselves, emphasizing that only Jesus Christ can offer salvation.
Doulosministry March 1982
By George Verwer38833:21MissionsPRO 11:30MAT 28:19ACT 1:81CO 9:22EPH 4:11COL 4:52TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience with a close friend who showed him the incredible capabilities of a computer. He also mentions the success of the book exhibition ministry, which has planted Christian books in Mexico. Despite a fire destroying equipment in India, the speaker emphasizes that there is still a significant amount of literature, films, and projectors spread throughout the country. The use of films and slides in evangelism is highlighted as an effective tool for reaching tens of thousands of people with the gospel.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The following proverbs are especially directed, as connected with this כן, against the contradiction of the external appearance and of the masked internal nature. 20 An abomination to Jahve are the crookedly dishonest of heart, And they who are of honest walk are his delight.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
a tree of life--Blessings to others proceed from the works of the righteous (Pro 3:18). winneth souls--(Compare Margin) to do them good as opposed to Pro 6:25; Eze 13:18 (compare Luk 5:10).
John Gill Bible Commentary
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,.... Either the fruit which grows upon Christ, the tree of life, and which they receive from him; even all the blessings of grace, peace, pardon, righteousness, and life, Rev 2:7; or the fruits which the righteous bring forth under the influence of divine grace; they are trees of righteousness, and are filled with the fruits of righteousness by Christ, and have their fruit unto holiness, and their end everlasting life. Aben Ezra interprets it, "the fruit of the righteous is as the fruit of the tree of life;'' that is, lovely, beautiful, desirable, salutary, and issues in life; and he that winneth souls is wise; antichrist trades in the souls of men, that is one part of his wares, Rev 18:13; but his negotiations about them are to the loss, and not to the saving of them: whereas wise and faithful ministers of the word, such as are here described, use all prudent methods to gain and save the souls of men, Co1 9:19; even their precious immortal souls, which are of more worth than a world, are the immediate production of God, made after his image, which by sin they come short of; and having sinned, are liable to eternal death; the redemption of which is precious; the charge of which Christ has taken, and therefore is called the Shepherd and Bishop of souls; and which he commits to the care of his under shepherds, who watch for them, as they that must give an account. To "win" them is to teach them, for the word (g) has the signification of teaching or doctrine; see Pro 4:2; the ministers of Christ are teachers, qualified and sent by him as such; and their business is to teach men their state by nature, how sinful, miserable, and helpless they are; and also Christ, and the way of life by him; that salvation is in him, and in no other; that justification is only by his righteousness, peace and pardon by his blood, and atonement by his sacrifice: they also teach various other things; as the fear of God, faith in Christ, love to him, and obedience to all his commands. To win souls is to proselyte them and convert them to the true religion; to bring them into a love and liking of it, and to embrace it: the souls that Abraham got or made in Haran are supposed to be such; and the same with those trained or instructed in his house, whom he armed for the rescue of Lot, Gen 12:5; the former of which texts Jarchi compares with this, as explanative of it. The phrases of "turning many to righteousness", done by the "wise": and of "converting a sinner from the error of his way", whereby a "soul is saved from death", Dan 12:3, are a proper comment on these words: which, moreover, may be rendered, "he that taketh souls" (h); as a fort or castle is taken, and which is sometimes expressed by "winning"; see Ch2 32:1. The soul of man is a hold, and a strong hold, of foul spirits; it is Satan's palace or castle, which he keeps and holds against Christ, but is won and taken by him; which is usually done by means of the word, and the ministry of it, which are made effectual to the pulling down of strong holds, Co2 10:4. Or the allusion is to the taking or catching of birds in a snare, or fishes in a net. The souls of men are got into the snare of the devil, and they are taken out from hence by breaking this snare; by which means they escape the hands of the fowler, Satan, and come into better hands: the old serpent laid a bait for our first parents, by which he gained his point, and that was the fruit of the forbidden tree; but the bait which wise men lay to catch souls is the fruit of the tree of life, mentioned in the former clause, the blessings of grace in Christ. Again, Christ's ministers are called "fishers" of men, and are said to "catch" men, Mat 4:19; which they do by casting and spreading the net of the Gospel; the Gospel is the net; the world is the sea into which it is cast; where natural men are in their element, as fishes in the sea: the casting of the net is the preaching of the Gospel; and by means of this souls are caught and gathered in to Christ and his churches, Mat 13:47. Once more, the words are by some rendered, "he that allures souls" (i); which is done, not by the terrors of the law, but by the charming voice of the Gospel; by which souls are drawn to God and Christ, and brought among his people: and one that is an instrument of all this had need be "wise", and so he appears to be; he that teacheth men the knowledge of divine and spiritual things had need to be as he is, as a scribe well instructed in the kingdom of God; he who is to be the instrument of converting sinners must have a mouth and wisdom to address them in a proper manner; as he that wills a castle, or takes a fort, ought to have military skill as well as courage; and to cast a net well requires art as well as strength. (g) "qui docet", Pagninus, Baynus, Mercerus, Gejerus. (h) "Capit", Vatablus, Tigurine version, Junius & Tremellius, Piscator; "capit salutari doctrina", Michaelis. (i) "Allicit", Drusius, Gejerus.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
This shows what great blessings good men are, especially those that are eminently wise, to the places where they live, and therefore how much to be valued. 1. The righteous are as trees of life; the fruits of their piety and charity, their instructions, reproofs, examples, and prayers, their interest in heaven, and their influence upon earth, are like the fruits of that tree, precious and useful, contributing to the support and nourishment of the spiritual life in many; they are the ornaments of paradise, God's church on earth, for whose sake it stands. 2. The wise are something more; they are as trees of knowledge, not forbidden, but commanded knowledge. He that is wise, by communicating his wisdom, wins souls, wins upon them to bring them in love with God and holiness, and so wins them over into the interests of God's kingdom among men. The wise are said to turn many to righteousness, and that is the same with winning souls here, Dan 12:3. Abraham's proselytes are called the souls that he had gotten, Gen 12:5. Those that would win souls have need of wisdom to know how to deal with them; and those that do win souls show that they are wise.