Soul Seekers

(Proverbs 29:10 KJV)  The bloodthirsty hate the upright: but the just seek his soul.

The concern of the “just” (upright NASB) (3477) goes deeper than a welfare check.  They are concerned about more than the “life” (5315) the NASB mentions.  The KJV gives the more common definition as “soul.”  “Soul” is the most common translation in both versions, followed by “life”.  That tells us that we are concerned about the total picture, not just how someone feels today.  In another place Solomon uses the same word with this reminder,

(Proverbs 11:30 KJV)  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls (5315) is wise.

This is not an excuse to draw back from meeting physical needs.  It is a demand that we not be satisfied with meeting physical needs.  To paraphrase a bit of wisdom, “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day.  Introduce Him to the maker of fish and feed him for eternity.”

So?  Walk upright.  That will put your vision above the crowd and help you to see the long term goals of bringing people into the kingdom.