Proverbs 11:30
Proverbs 11:30 in Multiple Translations
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that is wise winneth souls.
The fruit of righteousness is a tree of life, but violent behaviour takes away souls.
The fruit of the good is a tree of life, and the wise person saves people.
The fruite of the righteous is as a tree of life, and he that winneth soules, is wise.
The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life, And whoso is taking souls [is] wise.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls.
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
The fruit of the just man is a tree of life: and he that gaineth souls, is wise.
Those who live righteously will live for a long time, but those who act violently will destroy their own lives (OR, those who are wise will have many people come and live with them).
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 11:30
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Proverbs 11:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פְּֽרִי
צַ֭דִּיק
עֵ֣ץ
חַיִּ֑ים
וְ/לֹקֵ֖חַ
נְפָשׂ֣וֹת
חָכָֽם
פְּֽרִי
pᵉrîy
H6529
fruit
N-ms
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
righteous
Adj
עֵ֣ץ
ʻêts
H6086
tree
N-ms
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp
וְ/לֹקֵ֖חַ
lâqach
H3947
to take
Conj | V-Qal
נְפָשׂ֣וֹת
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cp
חָכָֽם
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 11:30
פְּֽרִי
pᵉrîy
H6529
"fruit"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means the fruit that comes from the ground or from our actions. It is used in many books, including Genesis and Isaiah, to describe the results of our labor or the consequences of our choices.
Definition: 1) fruit 1a) fruit, produce (of the ground) 1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb) 1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: bough, (first-)fruit(-ful), reward. See also: Genesis 1:11; Proverbs 18:20; Psalms 1:3.
צַ֭דִּיק
tsaddîyq
H6662
"righteous"
Adj
Means being just or righteous, as seen in government, personal conduct, or character, often describing someone made right with God. It appears in descriptions of King David and other biblical leaders. The concept is central to the Bible's teachings on morality and ethics.
Definition: 1) just, lawful, righteous 1a) just, righteous (in government) 1b) just, right (in one's cause) 1c) just, righteous (in conduct and character) 1d) righteous (as justified and vindicated by God) 1e) right, correct, lawful
Usage: Occurs in 197 OT verses. KJV: just, lawful, righteous (man). See also: Genesis 6:9; Proverbs 10:31; Psalms 1:5.
עֵ֣ץ
ʻêts
H6086
"tree"
N-ms
This Hebrew word for tree or wood refers to a strong and firm object, like a tree or a wooden plank, as seen in the carpentry work of Jesus' earthly father Joseph in Matthew 13:55.
Definition: : wood 1) tree, wood, timber, stock, plank, stalk, stick, gallows 1a) tree, trees 1b) wood, pieces of wood, gallows, firewood, cedar-wood, woody flax
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] carpenter, gallows, helve, [phrase] pine, plank, staff, stalk, stick, stock, timber, tree, wood. See also: Genesis 1:11; Joshua 9:23; Psalms 1:3.
חַיִּ֑ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וְ/לֹקֵ֖חַ
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
Conj | V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
נְפָשׂ֣וֹת
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cp
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
חָכָֽם
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
Study Notes — Proverbs 11:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 11:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:30
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:30
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 11:30
- Sermons on Proverbs 11:30
Context — Dishonest Scales
28He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like foliage.
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.
31If the righteous receive their due on earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 12:3 | Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever. |
| 2 | James 5:20 | consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 9:19–23 | Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), to win those under the law. To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. |
| 4 | Proverbs 3:18 | She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed. |
| 5 | Matthew 4:19 | “Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” |
| 6 | Luke 5:9–10 | For he and his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were his partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee. “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said to Simon. “From now on you will catch men.” |
| 7 | John 4:36 | Already the reaper draws his wages and gathers a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice together. |
| 8 | 1 Thessalonians 2:19 | After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? |
| 9 | Proverbs 15:4 | A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. |
Proverbs 11:30 Summary
This verse is saying that when we live a righteous life, following God's commands and principles, our actions and influence can have a profound impact on others, like a tree that provides fruit and shade for all to enjoy, as seen in Psalms 1:3, which describes the blessed man as a tree planted by rivers of water. Winning souls, or sharing the Gospel with others, is an important part of living a wise and righteous life, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-20. By following God's ways and sharing His love with others, we can experience true wisdom and have a lasting impact on the world around us, as described in Daniel 12:3, which says that those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the fruit of the righteous to be a tree of life?
This phrase suggests that the righteous person's life and actions have a profound, lasting impact on others, much like the tree of life in the Garden of Eden, as described in Genesis 2:9, which brought nourishment and sustenance to all who partook of it.
How can we 'win souls' as mentioned in this verse?
Winning souls refers to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others and leading them to a personal relationship with Him, as commanded in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus instructs His followers to make disciples of all nations.
What is the relationship between being righteous and being wise?
According to this verse, there is a direct connection between righteousness and wisdom, as also seen in Psalms 37:37, which states that the perfect man will inherit good things, implying that wisdom is a hallmark of the righteous life.
Is this verse saying that the only way to be wise is to win souls?
No, while winning souls is an important aspect of the Christian life, as seen in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, where Paul describes his passion for sharing the Gospel, wisdom is a broader concept that encompasses living a life of obedience to God's commands and principles, as outlined in Proverbs 9:10, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which my life can be a 'tree of life' to those around me, providing nourishment and sustenance to others?
- How can I balance the desire to share the Gospel with others with the need to live a righteous life that reflects the character of Christ, as described in Colossians 1:10?
- What are some obstacles that might prevent me from 'winning souls' and how can I overcome them, using the example of the apostle Paul in Acts 16:9-10, who was obedient to the call of God despite opposition?
- In what ways can I cultivate wisdom in my own life, using the principles outlined in Proverbs 2:6, which states that the Lord gives wisdom, and in James 1:5, which encourages us to ask for wisdom in faith?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 11:30
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,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous, i.e. which he produceth; his discourses and his whole conversation. Is a tree of life; is like the fruit of the tree of life; is a great preserver of his life, and a procurer of eternal life, not only to himself, but to others also. He that winneth souls, Heb. that catcheth souls, as a fowler doth birds; that maketh it his design and business, and useth all his skill and diligence, to gain souls to God, and to pluck them out of the snare of the devil. Is wise; showeth himself to be a truly wise and good man. But this clause is and may be rendered thus, and he that is wise (the same with the righteous in the former clause) winneth souls, or brings them to life. So this clause agrees very well with the former.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 11:30
Proverbs 11:30 The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.Ver. 30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,] i.e., The commodities and comforts that one may every way receive from a righteous person, - for, est aliquid quod a viro bono etiam tacente discas, saith Seneca, somewhat a man may learn from a good man, even when he says nothing, - are more than can be imagined. Plutarch reporteth that the Babylonians make three hundred and sixty various commodities of the palm tree, and do therefore greatly honour it. Should not we much more honour the multifarious gifts of God in his righteous ones for our good? For whether it be "Paul, or Apollo, or Cephas," "All is ours." And he that winneth souls.] And useth singular art and industry therein, as fowlers do to take birds (for so the Hebrew word imports), or fishermen fishes. "He is wise, and wiseth others," as Daniel hath it; he is just, and justifieth others; he "shall save a soul from death." He shall shine as a star in heaven. And this is instanced as one special fruit of that tree of life mentioned in the former verse. This is a noble fruit indeed, since one soul is more worth than a world, as he hath told us, who only went to the price of it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 11:30
(30) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life.—The righteous, by the performance of his duty to his neighbours, brings, as it were, life and healing (Revelation 22:2) to them, and “the wise man winneth souls,” attracts them to himself, and induces them to follow his example.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 11:30
Verse 30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life] עץ חיים ets chaiyim, "the tree of lives." It is like that tree which grew in the paradise of God; increasing the bodily and mental vigour of those who ate of it. He that winneth souls is wise.] Wisdom seeks to reclaim the wanderers; and he who is influenced by wisdom will do the same.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 11:30
30. the fruit of the righteous] We should rather perhaps have expected the proverb to run, “the righteous (himself) is a tree of life,” in his beneficent influence upon others (Revelation 22:2); but the object of the proverb in both its clauses is to lay stress upon the attractive power of goodness, and this consists rather in the outward conduct, in words and works, than in the inward character, in motives and principles; rather in the fruit than in the tree. a tree of life] See Proverbs 3:18, note. he that winneth souls is wise] Rather, and a wise man winneth (lit. taketh) souls. Wisdom, like righteousness, draws and allures to itself. The proverb has its highest exemplification in the highest wisdom. “They that be wise” are indeed “they that turn many to righteousness,” Daniel 12:3.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 11:30
Winneth souls - Better, a wise man winneth souls. He that is wise draws the souls of people to himself, just as the fruit of the righteous is to all around him a tree of life, bearing new fruits of healing evermore.
Whedon's Commentary on 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.
Sermons on Proverbs 11:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Are You a Soul Winner by Keith Daniel | In 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, turn |
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Evangelism Series - Part 1 by Carter Conlon | In 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 emphasize |
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Elijah (Time for Renewal Conference) by Carter Conlon | In 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 |
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James 5 Expositional by Chuck Smith | This 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 |
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Break Up Your Fallow Ground by Ian Paisley | In 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 preachi |
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Bible Study for Street Preaching by Winkie Pratney | This sermon discusses the practical aspects of conducting open-air street meetings, emphasizing the importance of drawing in crowds through engaging stories, music, and testimonies |
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He Was Despised and Rejected of Men and We Will Be Also by Keith Daniel | In 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 love |