We all have been called to bear good fruits. The Bible tells us this. Matthew 7: 15-20 says, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” But, what do these verses really mean? Let’s take it verse by verse.

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” Matthew 7:15

Verse 15 warns against “false prophets.” These people are ones that seem really nice, but when you turn around, they betray you or your trust. It is actually easy to fall into this category. It is easy to be nice to people you don’t like to their faces but change after they leave. However, you must beware of those who tear you to pieces intentionally. We all must watch for these people, and keep ourselves in check that we don’t become these people.

“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?” Matthew 7:16

Look for people’s “fruits.” By their actions you can tell the kind of person someone is.

“Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.” Matthew 7:17-18

If you are someone who strives to do good and believes in the one true God, you will bear good fruit. You must first be a good tree. Likewise, if you do not do what is holy in the sight of the Lord, you will probably be said to bear bad fruit. God knows your heart, and He wants your heart. So why not give it to Him so you may bear good fruit always!

^“Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7: 19-20

These verses are very serious verses. They basically call you to turn to the Lord because you do not want to live a life following the one who will make eternal life miserable. Temptations will always there, so be careful not to fall for them. God wants you to bear good fruits, to do good and love Him. So, look for people’s “fruits,” it may surprise you.