---

He must be a wise man in even ordinary respects who can by grace achieve so Divine a marvel as win a soul. He that winneth souls is usually a man who could have done anything else if God had called him to it. He is wise —

1. Because he has selected a wise object.

2. Because to win a soul requires infinite wisdom.

3. He will prove to have been a wise man in the judgment of those who see the end as well as the beginning.

I. THE METAPHOR USED IN THE TEXT. We use the word "win" in many ways, e.g., game of chance, juggling tricks, etc. It is used in warfare. Warriors win cities and provinces. The word was used to signify success in a wrestling match. There are secret and mysterious ways in which those who love win the object of their affections. Love is the true way of soul-winning. The Hebrew is, "He that taketh souls is wise," and the word refers to fishing, or bird-catching. We must have our lures for souls adapted to attract, to fascinate, to grasp.

II. SOME OF THE WAYS BY WHICH SOULS ARE TO BE WON.

1. A preacher wins souls best when he believes in the reality of his work.

2. When he keeps closest to saving truth.

3. Souls are won by bringing others to hear the Word.

4. By trying after sermon to talk to strangers.

5. By button-holing acquaintances and relations.

6. By writing letters.

7. The soul-winner must be a master of the art of prayer.

( C. H. Spurgeon.)

---

---

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.