The Wisdom of Winning Souls

by Charles N. Spence, Jr.
Sentry Magazine, December 2000 and March 2001

"The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30).

How does winning souls demonstrate wisdom? When Christians involve themselves in this task, they understand that they are doing that which the Lord has commanded (Matthew 28:19-20). This brings assurance to the minds of God's people in that they understand that the Lord will be with them. Christians who seek souls to save understand that this is one purpose for which they were called (I Peter 2:9). In this, the Christian seeks to emulate their Master (Luke 19:10). Seeking souls gives every indication that the child of God is concerned for the lost and understands the terribleness of God's judgment (II Corinthians 5:11). Even in restoring the erring brother the one who is a soul winner understands that he has saved a soul from death (James 5:19-20).

With all the understanding that Christians show when they seek to win souls to the Lord, is it any wonder that they are called "wise"?