Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 7:17

"Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but the corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit." — Matthew 7:17 (ASV)

From a distance the little black berries on the buckthorn could be mistaken for grapes, and the flowers on certain thistles might deceive one into thinking figs were growing (v.16). But no one would be long deceived. So with people! One’s “fruit” (GK 2843)—not just what one does, but all one says and does—will ultimately reveal what one is (cf. James 3:12). Living according to the kingdom can be feigned for a time, but what one is will eventually reveal itself in what one does. However guarded one’s words, they will finally betray that person (cf. 12:33–37).