Proverbs' Soul-Focus

He who wins souls is wise. Proverbs 11:28,30

When it comes to interpreting and applying poetry and proverbial statements, there can be a lot of principles to apply to various situations. The context still matters, but because Proverbs in this case jumps around to various topics, so should we carefully, apply each verse to the various areas of life. If you read vs. 24-31, you will see that winning souls to Jesus from the bondage we were born with is not the only needful way of winning souls. The following questions can challenge us to help win, take, and bring saved souls out of anything that traps or constricts our soul's vitality.

1. What are wise words to help us win the souls that are trusting in riches and their own righteousness? What are the soul-destroying results of trusting these 2 "R's"?

2. Read verses 24-26 on how to battle the bondage of greed and temporal values. What are the ironic, opposing results of greed and generosity? What are the connections between generosity and winning souls?

3. Contrast living for riches and living righteously (Proverbs 11:28). What is the soul-bondage of having to be rich? How is living for righteousness soul-delivering for you and others?

4. What wise words help us win, take, and bring the souls of believers; those who are bound by fears, guilt, anger, worry, loneliness or hurts?

Read Proverbs' "Soup for the Soul." The statements reflect the original language.

1. Wisdom in your soul makes moral knowledge attractive and pleasant to your soul (2:10).

2. Wisdom and discretion give life-vitality to your soul if you guard and focus on them (3:22).

3. Those who are committing adultery are destroying their souls (6:32). How does physical activity destroy the spiritual inner being? What damage is being done to the mind, will and emotions? How do we know that adultery does not destroy one's soul in hell forever?

4. He who finds the LORD and His wisdom has (past tense) received life, grace and favor. He who does not find the LORD continues to bring ongoing harm to his soul (8:35-36)

5. The LORD satisfies righteous soul's desires, appetites, hunger, and cravings (10:3).

6. A kind person benefits his own soul (11:17).

7. A generous soul will be growing rich, fat and prosperous. (11:25)

8. He who rejects correction hates his soul (15:32).

9. He who guards his speech biblically will keep his soul from troubles (21:23).