Matthew 7:20

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”

Context:Matthew 7:15-20 (KJV) reads:

“15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?: 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.: 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”: In these verses, Jesus warns His followers to be cautious of false prophets who may disguise themselves as genuine believers but are actually driven by selfish motives. He then emphasizes that it is possible to discern the true nature of a person by examining the “fruits” they produce.

Meaning:The phrase “by their fruits ye shall know them” implies that a person’s true character and intentions can be discerned through their actions, words, and the outcomes of their lives. Just as a good tree naturally produces good fruit, and a corrupt tree produces bad fruit, a person’s behavior and the impact they have on others can reveal their true nature.

Jesus encourages His followers to be discerning and wise in evaluating those who claim to be prophets or spiritual leaders. He urges them to look beyond appearances and listen to the messages being preached, while also closely examining the actions and outcomes produced by these individuals.

Application:

• Discernment of teachings:As Jesus warned about false prophets, Christians should evaluate the teachings they encounter. We should compare what is being taught with the truth of God’s Word (the Bible) to ensure alignment with biblical principles and doctrines.
• Examination of character:Actions often speak louder than words. When considering spiritual leaders or those claiming to speak on behalf of God, it is essential to assess their character, integrity, and the fruit of their ministry. This evaluation should extend to our own lives as well, as our actions should reflect our faith.
• Personal growth:Reflecting on this verse encourages personal growth as Christians seek to bear good fruit in their own lives. It serves as a reminder that our actions should align with the teachings of Jesus Christ, manifesting the fruits of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23.

In summary, Matthew 7:20 (KJV) emphasizes the importance of discernment and encourages believers to evaluate others based on the fruit they produce. By examining the actions and outcomes of individuals, we can gain insights into their true nature and intentions. This verse also prompts personal introspection, reminding believers to strive for good fruit in their own lives.