#1345. Proverbs 11:24-31 – The good fruit of righteousness (5/9/25)

Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional, and our final reflection (for now!) in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.

Today, in the last devotional of this current series,  we explore Proverbs 11:24–31, which gives us a powerful vision of how the pursuit of righteousness leads us to bear good fruit for ourselves and others.

To watch this devotional, please select the link below. 

i. God’s wisdom is generous

God’s wisdom often turns the world’s expectations upside down. We’re told that giving leads to loss and that hoarding leads to gain — but God’s kingdom works differently. When we give freely — with our time, our money, our talents — God blesses us. That blessing may come in different forms, but the promise is sure: those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Living generously is a life-giving lifestyle.

ii. Generosity is a witness

Following on from the previous proverbs, we are promised favour when we are generous. How we relate to others — especially in times of need — becomes a testimony to our character and the glory of God. People despise selfishness, especially when it's greedy and opportunistic. But generosity draws out honour and even prayer. A generous life is not only a blessing to others; it points people to God’s own heart. 

iii. Seek good, don’t search for evil

The principle is simple and powerful: what you seek, you will find. If you seek what is good — for yourself, your family, your church, your community — God promises favour. But those who pursue evil will find only trouble. This proverb also offers timely wisdom for our internet age. Too many people — including Christians — see themselves as the ‘thought police,’ with a self-appointed mission to seek out error and correct it in public. But it’s neither wise nor good for us to give our energy to ‘searching’ for evil. Let’s use our best time and energy to promote what is good.

iv. Don’t trust riches, trust righteousness

Riches — or anything else — should never be the foundation or joy of our lives. Those who trust in them are like a rotten branch that will eventually fall. But those who trust in God — like a branch that remains in the vine — will thrive and bear good fruit. They will be like a green, flourishing leaf. 

v. The fool will serve the wise

We can bring trouble to our household in many ways: through addictions, violence, disobedience as children, neglect of marriage, poor money choices... When we fail to pursue peace and the well-being of our household, we ‘inherit only wind.’ The result? Dependence. Rather than being a fruitful, nourishing presence, we become ever-dependent on others. Fools end up serving the wise.

vi. Let your life bear fruit

Continuing this beautiful analogy of a fruitful tree, we are told that a righteous life — one that knows Jesus and walks with Him — is not only good for us, but becomes a ‘tree of life’ to others. A wise life can ‘save lives.’ Those who walk with Christ provide nourishment, shade, hope, and even eternal impact. If we walk in wisdom, our lives will draw others towards the ultimate Tree of Life — the cross of Christ, by which we are saved and restored.

vii. Judgement and grace

We end this section of Proverbs with a sober encouragement. Those who seek and apply God’s wisdom will be rewarded on earth — and that reward comes in many forms. Positively, the righteous ‘prosper,’ are ‘refreshed,’ ‘find favour,’ ‘thrive like a green leaf,’ and enjoy peace in their household. But negatively, even the righteous receive what is ‘due’ for their sins. Though those who follow Jesus will never face condemnation, we still experience discipline and difficulty in this fallen world. If this is true for the righteous, how much more will the ungodly and the sinner receive their due? In this life and in death, those who reject God’s wisdom and salvation in Christ will face His judgement. This is why it’s vital that we walk in wisdom and be a light to those around us who need God’s salvation - God’s saving wisdom in Christ. 

In response:

Are we like a green leaf and a fruitful tree? Is this seen in our:

• Generosity?

• Commitment to seeking what is good?

• Trust in God over wealth?

• Desire to ‘save lives’ by bringing people to the Tree of Life — to Jesus?

Let’s pray together:

“Lord Jesus, fill me with your presence and make me more fruitful. May I trust in you and walk with you. May I win respect be a blessing to many so that I can have the joy of ’Saving lives’ by bringing people to you, Lord Jesus. Amen.” 

Community Group Notes

1. Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News. 

2. Icebreaker

How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you? 

3. Worship together

Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.

4. Study and pray together

Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.

Week #13: Proverbs 11:1-11:31. A vision of the Righteous life

1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?

2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.

3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?

4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.

5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)

• How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?

• Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.

  
  

6. Let’s pray together: 

• Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.

• Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.

• Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.