WISDOM FOR LIVING
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
The Bible is an incredibly practical book and is filled with stories about people’s lives. In particular, I love the book of Proverbs. It will teach you wisdom for everything you need in your life – for business, parenting, marriage, for all important decisions.
Here in Proverbs 11:30 is one of the greatest pieces of advice you will ever receive:
“he who wins souls is wise"
If you can win a person over to you, you will succeed in life! If people like you, trust you, believe that you genuinely care about their needs and interests, you will win them over. They will become your greatest advertisement in life!
But let’s take a casual walk along the path of Proverbs 1 as it is full of practical wisdom…
12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
How many times have you heard about grievances and disputes between neighbours? But here wisdom says, if you are going to have to spend a lot of time with people, whether as neighbours, work colleagues, or even family, it is far better to always work toward peace, rather than trying to change other people. Let the Lord be the One who does the change in them – this is especially great wisdom for married couples.
13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.
This is talking about gossipers. They are always captivated by some tale or gossip. Don’t be a person who is quick to hear gossip or spread gossip – a faithful person is a person where gossip stops with them – they don’t spread news of gossip, rather they are people who spread good news!
14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors, there is safety.
For all your important decisions in life, seek counsel. Ask a number of people that you trust and have a ‘proven life’ themselves. Seek the counsel of successful business people for business, and spiritual leaders like Pastors for relationships, life decisions, and God’s wisdom. Seek the counsel of successful married people for marriage - they will all give you a piece of knowledge or insight that enables you to see more clearly.
25 The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.
A generous soul is not just referring to financial matters – they are generous with their time, their talents, their praise, their encouragement, their willingness to help others. But here is the revelation the Holy Spirit wants you to see – as you generously sow into lives around you, whatever it is that you give out, that’s what is actually being poured in greater measure back into your life!
Learn from the book of Proverbs and allow the wisdom of the Lord to flourish in your life - it will bring you good success.