Proverbs 11:30
“The fruit of the upright in heart is a tree of life…and he that can win over a soul is wise.”
Nothing better describes a person’s life... than the fruit that his or her life produces. Fruit simply means the results.
Grape vines exist simply to produce grapes. Some produce sweet...Some produce sour. Some...for one reason or another, do not produce any fruit at all.
In order for us to fully grasp the implication of this proverb, it is important to understand how it relates to us as individuals. We must know that certainly it refers to us as being “the trees” that will, or will not produce some type of fruit.
Secondly, it is essential that we know who are “the upright”, to whom this proverb refers. Because, according to this proverb “the upright” is the one bearing the fruit. Furthermore, I believe that “the upright”, “the tree”, and “the fruit” are all three distinct entities.
“The Upright” in this proverb does not refer to us, but rather to God. King David wrote in the Psalms saying, “God looks down from heaven on the human race and sees that there is not one upright person throughout all of humanity.” There are no perfect humans; therefore, there are no righteous humans.
So if we as the trees are not the righteous, then what or who is? I believe that “the upright” is referring to “The Root” of the tree. The root is the source of strength and health. You can cut a tree down, and the tree will die separated from the root, but if the root is still there it will just produce another tree.
“I am the root, you are but mere branches. The one who remains in me, and I in him, will produce a lot of fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
It is so crucial that we know our role, for if we do not understand our role, we cannot fulfill our purpose. One which is simply to produce good fruit in our lives, and become the tree of life that God intends us to become.
So we understand now that we are the trees and God is the root, but who is the fruit? Ah, this is the beautiful part! Once we realize our fruitlessness being separated from the root, we come to God through Christ, become grafted back into the only source of life, righteousness, and peace...and then begin to produce fruit...the “Good Things” of life.
It is interesting that this proverbs ends with the saying, “…he that can win over a soul is wise.” In other words, he that can convince others of the truth is a wise person.
The fruit of any salesman are his clients; those that believe or have become convinced in the necessity of his product or device. How many believers do you think Bill Gates has won over to the idea of the “windows” application? Nearly all of us have become fruit of that idea. However…can I tell you that there is a higher calling in life than that of Microsoft! It is the calling to become a part of the family of our Creator.
This is our job, bringing people back into the family...helping people get grafted back into the root of God. So that in turn, they can begin to live the abundant, joyful, peaceful, and fulfilling life which God had always intended for them to live.
Jesus Christ became the CEO and founder of this particular business when he lived a sinless life, died upon a cross being falsely accused of sin, and then rose from the dead to prove his innocence. We now are become partners to this great enterprise, as we live our lives in him, and convince others to do the same..