Matthew 7:18 meaning

In the context of Christianity, knowing someone by their fruits refers to the visible outcomes of their actions and teachings. This metaphor conveys that just as a good tree produces good fruit, a true follower of Christ will demonstrate righteous behavior, while a corrupt tree yields bad fruit. Here, Jesus warns His disciples about the danger of false prophets, who might appear benign ("sheep's clothing") but are actually destructive in their influence. Understanding that a tree cannot produce opposite types of fruit is vital for discerning the authenticity of teachers and their doctrines.

In Matthew 7:18, the principle that "a good tree cannot bear bad fruit" reinforces the idea that a person's true nature, whether good or evil, ultimately reveals itself through their consistent actions. This relates to broader themes within Christian teaching about the importance of discernment and the consequences of living in accordance with God's will versus deviating toward self-serving motives. Believers are thus encouraged to evaluate the doctrine and lifestyle of those who teach, recognizing that deceptive appearances often mask destructive teachings.