Fruits of the Holy Spirit

"Proverbs 11:29-12:7

Seek the fruit of the Spirit

Do you want your life to make a difference? Do you realise that your life can be a source of blessing to other people every day?

‘The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life’ (11:30). As we look back at Proverbs 11, we can see this as a summary of all the different fruit of the righteous:

Love (Proverbs 11:23)
Joy (v.10)
Peace (v.8)
Patience (v.16)
Kindness (v.17)
Goodness (v.17)
Faithfulness (v.6)
Gentleness (v.2b, GNB)
Self-control (v.12)

This is so similar to the fruit of the Spirit that the apostle Paul describes in Galatians 5:22, in which each of these characteristics also appears. It is the Spirit who enables and helps us to live the kind of righteous life that is described in both passages.

This righteous living is praised in the rest of our passage. The writer describes its benefits, saying that the righteous enjoy ‘favour from the Lord’ (Proverbs 12:2). The image of a ‘tree of life’ (11:30) is a beautiful depiction of this favour. It recurs again and again in Scripture, and is also closely linked to the work of the Spirit in our lives (see Ezekiel 47:1–12; Revelation 22:1–2).

Lord, I pray for more of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life today: more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

1. And I reiterate, Lord, I pray for more of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my life today and always. Thank You for all the chances You give to me. Amen.

2. Thank You for little responsibilities, these little tasks that keep me going, too.

3. Rest days are the best. Thank You, Lord.