John Calvin Commentary Luke 6:45

"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and the evil [man] out of the evil [treasure] bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh." — Luke 6:45 (ASV)

A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, brings forth good. Such is the statement with which Luke concludes the discourse. And I have no doubt that he intended to describe, without a figure, the kind of judgment which Christ orders us to make from the fruits.

Believers ought to examine carefully what kind of doctrine is taught by those who profess to be the servants of God. “Titles (he says) are of little value, until the speaker gives actual evidence that he is sent by God.”

Yet I am far from saying that this passage may not be applied to a general doctrine. And certainly the last clause, out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks, has a more extensive reference than to false prophets, for it is a common proverb.

Is it objected that the tongues of men lie, and that men of the worst hearts are often the best speakers? I reply: Christ merely points out here what is a very ordinary occurrence.

For, though hypocrites express in words what is different from the feelings of their hearts, that is no reason why we may not justly and appropriately call the tongue the portrait of the mind.