Proverbs 11:30 "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise."
A tree can only produce fruit when it has life, nutrients, and water. That's a
basic statement, but it is true. For the child of God, all of those elements
are found in Jesus Christ. He is our life. He is the bread (nutrient) of life.
And He is the living water. I wonder if Paul had this verse in mind even
as he spoke of himself, "... that I may win Christ, And be found in
him..." (Philippians 3:8-9) "The fruit of the righteous is a
tree of life." Our lives can be a work of beauty and a great influence when
we reflect the righteousness of Jesus Christ. The elements of the fruit of the
righteous are "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,
faith, meekness, and temperance. (Galatians 5:22-23) These elements can
have a positive influence on others when we are bold and open in our love for
God, joy and peace in Christ Jesus, patient and gentle with others by showing
goodness, faith, and being controlled by the Holy Spirit. Again, I wonder if
Solomon rhad ead or heard his father singing, "And he shall be like a tree
planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season;
his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
(Psalm 1:3) I want to be a tree filled with life and have that positive influence
on others by bearing the fruit of the Spirit.