Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 7:20

"Therefore by their fruits ye shall know them." — Matthew 7:20 (ASV)

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

You cannot judge them by their bark, or by the spread of their branches, or by the greenness of their leaves, or even by the beauty of their blossoms in springtime. By their fruits ye shall know them.

The Saviour here gives us a very earnest and very necessary warning, lest we should be deceived, for there are those who are not only deceived by their own sins, but deceived by false prophets, who are among Satan's best agents.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

It is not ours to hew or to burn, but it is ours to know. This knowledge is to save us from coming under the shadow or influence of false teachers.

Who wants to build his nest upon a tree which is soon to be cut down? Who would choose a barren tree for the center of his orchard?

Lord, let me remember that I am to judge myself by this rule. Make me a true fruit-bearing tree.

It is not ours to cut down or to burn, but it is ours to know. This knowledge is to save us from coming under the shadow or influence of false teachers. Who wants to build his nest upon a tree which is soon to be cut down? Who would choose a barren tree for the center of his orchard?

Lord, let me remember that I am to judge myself by this rule. Make me a true fruit-bearing tree.