Proverbs 11:30

30. The fruit… righteous His words and actions, or their results.

Is a tree of life Imparting a living principle. Compare Proverbs 11:30; Proverbs 13:12; Genesis 2:9; Revelation 2:9; Revelation 22:2. Comp. 3; Proverbs 18:14.

He that winneth souls Or captures them by his holy life or persuasive eloquence.

Is wise Wise by eminence. His wisdom is evinced by the results. “He is the greatest benefactor of all who communicates wisdom so charitably and seasonably that he draws souls to the love of virtue.” Patrick. “The wise man winneth souls.” Zockler (and others.) “There does not seem,” says the Speaker’s Commentary, “any ground for seeing in these words the meaning which ‘winning souls’ for God or Christ has gained in Christian language.” They signify about what we mean by winning the heart. He that is wise draws the souls, the affections, the confidence of men to himself. The wise man is the true conqueror. Still they may have a specific application to winning hearts for Christ. The phrase winneth souls, לקח נפשׁות , ( lokeahh nephashoth) is the same that is sometimes translated, “Taketh the life.” 1 Kings 19:4; Psalms 31:13. Compare Daniel 12:3; 1 Corinthians 9:19; James 5:20.