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The Book of Proverbs may be compared to a basket of pearls. Each verse is complete in itself; the truth contained within it is of independent worth.

I. WISDOM IS SEEN IN THE ATTEMPT TO WIN. The very effort itself is a proof of true wisdom.

1. The soul's position proves it. It is a perishing one.

2. Soul-winning is a noble work. A soul-winner need envy no one. His work surpasses all in true nobility.

3. Soul-winning is a lasting work, and therefore he who attempts it is wise.

4. It is a soul-profiting work. The man who imparts a blessing by the very act receives one. The way to be a joyful Christian is to be a working one at the winning of souls.

5. Winning souls is a work that tells on eternity.

6. Winning souls is a work which will influence you in heaven.

II. WISDOM IS REQUIRED IN THE WORK OF WINNING.

1. The nature of the work as suggested in the text shows it. The word for "winneth" has three references. It refers to the snaring of birds, the catching of fish, the taking of a city. To the accomplishment of each of these wisdom is required.

2. The variety of disposition seen in souls requires it.

III. HINTS AS TO HOW TO SET ABOUT WINNING SOULS.

1. They must be alarmed.

2. They must be allured.

3. They must be taken by the hand.

4. They who would win others must show that they themselves are won.

(Archibald G. Brown.)

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KJV: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

WEB: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls.