Proverbs 11:30

the fruit of the righteous We should rather perhaps have expected the proverb to run, "the righteous (himself) is a tree of life," in his beneficent influence upon others (Revelation 22:2); but the object of the proverb in both its clauses is to lay stress upon the attractive power of goodness, and this consists rather in the outward conduct, in words and works, than in the inward character, in motives and principles; rather in the fruit than in the tree.

a tree of life See Proverbs 3:18, note.

he that winneth soulsis wise Rather, and a wise man winneth (lit. taketh) souls. Wisdom, like righteousness, draws and allures to itself.

The proverb has its highest exemplification in the highest wisdom. "They that be wise" are indeed "they that turn many to righteousness," Daniel 12:3.