The Fruit of The Righteous is a Tree of Life

    As we continue our four-part "Tree of Life" series, I would like you to consider this passage:

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, 

and he who wins souls is wise." 

(Proverbs 11:30 NKJV)

    The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. What does that mean? That the things done by a righteous person will be beneficial and provide life-giving sustenance to not only themselves but to those with whom they interact.

    Who are the righteous? Those who practice righteousness (1 John 3:7) by doing what is right in accord with God and His righteousness (1 John 2:29). 

    Where do I find the righteousness of God? In the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16-17; 10:17, Matthew 5:6; 6:33)! 

    And what is the fruit of the righteous?  When we humbly honour and obey God, walking in a right and proper way before Him, we will begin to produce (do) good things! In pursuing righteousness (2 Timothy 2:22) we will love as God does (without partiality or hypocrisy, Matthew 5:46-48, Romans 12:9, James 4:8-9), we will be filled with joy knowing we are right in God's sight (Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 89:15-17) and that joy will be exhibited in all we do! It will show itself in our diligent pursuit of peace (with God Hebrews 12:3-11, 1 John 1:9, and with "our neighbour" Romans 12:17-18), and in our ability to endure hardships (longsuffering, Matthew 5:44-45, Romans 12:19-10). It will be evident in our consistent kindness (Romans 12:10-13), goodness (Romans 12:21, Galatians 6:9-10), and faithfulness (Matthew 25:21, 1 Peter 1:3-9), and apparent in our quiet gentleness (Philippians 4:5, 1 Peter 3:3-4), and self-control (Titus 2:11-14, 2 Peter 1:5-11)!

Can you understand how these good and noble things - these fruits that we develop as we pursue righteousness - are beneficial to more than just ourselves and able to be a tree of life that provides life-giving sustenance (Psalm 1:1-6)?

When we understand the path of righteousness - its blessings and benefits, where it leads, to Whom it leads, and why He is worthy of our every effort - then we are wise to encourage others toward it and invite those we interact with to come and walk the path with us! That is what "win" means in this passage - 'to bring along with us'!

We know the path they are treading and where it leads to (Proverbs 14:12) , so let us, with the wisdom that is from above (James 3:17), with compassion and sincere love for their souls, prove to them the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2) and show them the life-giving benefits of walking in righteousness!

"Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament.

And those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever."

(Daniel 12:3 NKJV)