Good Tree – Good Fruit – Corrupt Tree – Corrupt Fruit Matthew 7:17

Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples, “all things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” Jesus continued, “Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it.” Jesus added, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”, and in chapter seven and verse seventeen of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples,“every good tree brings forth good fruit” where we read:

Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.

The verse reads, “Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit;” Matthew began with the words, “even so” or “in this manner and thus” “every good tree” which means “each, all, the whole and everyone of the useful, salutary, pleasant and excellent trees” “brings forth” or “makes ready, carries, executes, produces and provides” “good fruit” which means “useful, salutary, pleasant and excellent fruit”. Jesus shared how “good trees” produce “good fruit”.

The verse continues, “but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.” Matthew added the word, “but” or “moreover and also” “a corrupt tree” which refers to “a rotten, putrefied, poor quality, bad, unfit for use and worthless tree” “brings forth” or “makes ready, carries, executes, produces and provides” “evil fruit” which means “fruit with a bad nature which is diseased, wicked and calamitous”. Jesus shared how “bad trees” produce “bad fruit”.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we learn how to determine what kind of “tree” or person the disciples were to encounter. They were to be “fruit inspectors”, and if the “fruit” of the person's life was “good”, they were of “good nature”, however, if the “fruit” of a person's life was “evil or bad”, they were of a “wicked and bad nature”. Sometimes this takes a little time before discovery is made, and God desires for every person to align with Him through His Son Jesus so they will know the difference. Let all who read these words examine the “fruit” in their own lives, and should someone they encounter speak “prophetic words”, be wise and inspect the “fruit” in their lives.

Next time Jesus tells His disciples, “a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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