He Who Wins Souls Is Wise

He Who Wins Souls Is Wise

“Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” “Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile!” 2 Cor. 12:16. “Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” A spiritual man’s speech is somewhat like a skilled fisherman’s work. His gear is cast out to different locations as he tries different methods. The words of his mouth are the nets, lines, leaders, hooks, and bait. He has placed markers at good fishing spots and knows when the time is right. He almost always catches fish. (Fish in this sense of the word does not just denote the entire person, but it also means various points in a person’s life.) He says something that seems to point in one direction, but his purpose with what he is saying is completely different. He does not always mean literally what he says; nevertheless, he always has a certain, good goal with what he is saying. It is unfortunate for the fish to remain near the fisherman. It risks losing its freedom. It is very fortunate for the sinner to associate with a wise man. The only risk he is running is to be set free from more bonds.