“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? 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. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:16-20
“For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.” Luke 6:43-44
My Summary & Reflection
There are really two comparisons made in this parable as told by Matthew. In the first, Jesus tells his disciples to beware false prophets and compares those false prophets to wolves in sheep’s clothing. In the second, described by Matthew and Luke, Jesus then goes on to explain how false prophets can be identified. In that way he compares the prophets to fruit-bearing trees. He says that the false prophets can be identified by their fruit.
The wolf in sheep’s clothing is a common metaphor to many of us. In it, a wolf disguises himself as a sheep and blends in with the herd to avoid arousing fear among either the sheep or the shepherd. The wolf’s intent, however, is to devour the sheep. In the same way, Jesus identifies some people as false prophets who wrap themselves in the attire of the righteous, but inwardly their goal is destruction. Sadly, we all have seen examples of this on the news and maybe in our own lives. These examples are numerous and can be found among members of the ministry as well as teachers, coaches, doctors, and others who portray themselves to be upstanding citizens, but who turn out to be predators who prey on the young, the weak, and the helpless.
In this parable, Jesus tells his disciples that these false prophets can be identified by the results of their works, or their fruits. Just as a tree bears fruit that is in alignment with its nature, similarly the results of a person’s works will align with his or her nature. We cannot merely look at a person’s appearance and accurately assess their character, either for good or for ill. So, before placing your faith in a person, you must in today’s parlance, check their references.
To paraphrase Maya Angelou, if a person shows you who they are, believe them. That is what Jesus is saying. He’s saying that a person’s true nature will be revealed through their works and their words. “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil; for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” Luke 6:45 There will be evidence of the desires of their heart. Each of us has to remain clear-eyed so that we will believe what is being revealed to us and not let ourselves be fooled by appearance, or title, eloquence, or any other superficial presentation.
Your Reflection
- Have you examined the fruit of those in whom you place your trust?
- Would anyone recognize the fruit that you bear as the fruit of a Christian?
- What would the fruit of a Christian look like?