Proverbs 11:30, The Fruit of the Righteous

May 31, Proverbs 11:30

Mark 2:1-17 “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick” (Matt. 9:12).

The Fruit of the Righteous

Billy Bray (1794-1864), the converted Cornish miner, turned evangelist, was once preaching with great effect to a large congregation, principally miners. In that district there were two mines, one very prosperous and the other quite the reverse, for the work was hard and the wages low. He represented himself as working at that mine but on payday he went to the prosperous one for his wages. Had he not been at work at the other mine, the manager inquired. He had, but he liked the wages of the good mine the best. He pleaded very earnestly but in vain. He was dismissed at last with the remark, from which there was no appeal, that he must come there to work if he came there for his wages. And then he turned upon the congregation, and the effect was almost irresistible, that they, too, must serve Christ here if they would share His glory hereafter; but if they would serve the devil now, to him they must go for their wages by-and-by.

a. Fruit Godward: H.M. Stanley, the man who found David Livingstone, gave this testimony. “I went to Africa as prejudiced as the biggest atheist in London. There came for me a long time for reflection. I saw this solitary old man, his piety, his gentleness, his zeal, his earnestness. I was converted by him, although he had not tried to do it.” Let this be the fruit you covet most. This is what we call the Godward side of soul-winning.

b. Fruit Manward: Spurgeon spoke of the manward side as well. Only by abiding in Christ will our life and lip produce the Fruit of the Tree of Life. Peter joins these two when he says, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. That’s the Godward side. Then, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear, that’s the manward side. Who is to do it? You can do it. Here are a few simple suggestions. i. Believers bring others to hear the Word preached. ii. After the sermon, talk to someone about how the message is applied. iii. Learning to buttonhole those who appear convicted, letting the Spirit control. iv. Gracious letter writing is often a useful tool when one hesitates to speak. v. The telephone can be mightily used. Instead of idle talk, gossip the gospel! vi. All means must be steeped in prayer. Go about God’s work with prayerful, sympathetic hearts and keep your eyes open for souls. Will you do it? Dr. J. Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918), the evangelist, said. «Of the vast number of people who find their way to Jesus today, most of them reach Him because the friends of Jesus are concerned about the welfare of their souls.” Mark Guy Pearse, an expert fisherman, and soul-winner, said there are three essential rules for successful fishing: One, Keep yourself out of sight. Two, Keep yourself further out of sight. Three, Keep yourself still further out of sight. “Winners of souls must first be weepers for souls” (CHS). Are you?

Thought: It is never recorded that Christ ever laughed, but He often wept for the lost.

Prayer: Lord, that I might live wisely for Thy Glory.