Verse
Context
A Tree and Its Fruit
15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye shall know them by their fruits--not their doctrines--as many of the elder interpreters and some later ones explain it--for that corresponds to the tree itself; but the practical effect of their teaching, which is the proper fruit of the tree. Do men gather grapes of thorns--any kind of prickly plant. or figs of thistles?--a three-pronged variety. The general sense is obvious--Every tree bears its own fruit.
John Gill Bible Commentary
As is the tree, so is its fruit; if the tree is good, it will bring forth good fruit. The tree that brings forth good fruit, is good antecedent to the fruit it produces; it is first good, and then puts forth good fruit: it is not the fruit that makes the tree good, but makes it appear to be so; but it is the goodness of the tree that makes the fruit good. As a good man does, and will do good works, but his works do not make him a good man; he is so before he performs good works, or he would never be able to do them; these make him appear to be a good man: so a good preacher, that has an experimental knowledge of the doctrines of the Gospel, will deliver out sound doctrine, who is first made so by the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God; and by searching the Scriptures, and examining his doctrines by them, he will be known and appear to be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and good doctrine; and such a good minister of the Gospel, out of the good treasure of Gospel truths put into his earthen vessel, will bring forth, from time to time, good and excellent truths, to the edification and profit of those that hear: "but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit"; if the tree is corrupt, the fruit will be corrupt; and as is the preacher, so will be his doctrines: if he is a corrupt preacher, or a man of a corrupt mind, destitute of the truth, his preaching will be such as will tend to corrupt both the principles and practices of men; for such evil men and seducers, out of the evil treasure of false doctrines, which they have received into their judgments, will bring forth, either more secretly or openly, evil tenets in their ministry, which prove of bad consequence to the souls of men. As is the tree, so is its fruit; if the tree is good, it will bring forth good fruit. The tree that brings forth good fruit, is good antecedent to the fruit it produces; it is first good, and then puts forth good fruit: it is not the fruit that makes the tree good, but makes it appear to be so; but it is the goodness of the tree that makes the fruit good. As a good man does, and will do good works, but his works do not make him a good man; he is so before he performs good works, or he would never be able to do them; these make him appear to be a good man: so a good preacher, that has an experimental knowledge of the doctrines of the Gospel, will deliver out sound doctrine, who is first made so by the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God; and by searching the Scriptures, and examining his doctrines by them, he will be known and appear to be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and good doctrine; and such a good minister of the Gospel, out of the good treasure of Gospel truths put into his earthen vessel, will bring forth, from time to time, good and excellent truths, to the edification and profit of those that hear: "but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit"; if the tree is corrupt, the fruit will be corrupt; and as is the preacher, so will be his doctrines: if he is a corrupt preacher, or a man of a corrupt mind, destitute of the truth, his preaching will be such as will tend to corrupt both the principles and practices of men; for such evil men and seducers, out of the evil treasure of false doctrines, which they have received into their judgments, will bring forth, either more secretly or openly, evil tenets in their ministry, which prove of bad consequence to the souls of men. Matthew 7:18 mat 7:18 mat 7:18 mat 7:18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,.... A man that is unprincipled with the grace of God, has an experimental acquaintance with the Gospel of Christ, and is guided by the Spirit of God into all truth, as it is in Jesus, cannot knowingly deliver, maintain, and abide by any doctrine that is contrary to the glory of God's grace, and the person of Christ, the work of the Spirit, the fundamental doctrines of the Bible; or what is repugnant to the experiences of God's people, and prejudicial to their souls. Neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. A corrupt preacher, one destitute of the truth of the Gospel, reprobate concerning the faith, who never had any experience of the doctrines of grace, and denies them in the theory of them, cannot, consistent with himself, and his own principles, deliver, or preach good doctrine; or that which tends to produce any good fruit, either in the experience or lives of men. It is true, a corrupt man, that is, an unregenerate man, may preach sound doctrine, it being what he believes, though he has no experience of it: but then this man is not a corrupt tree, that is, a corrupt preacher, though a corrupt man. As our Lord means by "a good tree", not a good man, barely, or one that is made so by the grace of God; but a good minister, one that is furnished by the Spirit of God, and is well instructed in the kingdom of heaven: so by "a corrupt tree" he does not mean a corrupt man, a man that is in a state of nature, habitually and practically evil; but a corrupt preacher, a false prophet or teacher, that has sucked in corrupt principles, and has nothing else in him, and therefore can bring forth no other.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:16-17 Good and bad fruit refers to moral behavior (see 3:8, 10; 12:33-37; 13:8; 21:43; Gal 5:19-23).
A Tree and Its Fruit
15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.16By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?17Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(True Disciple Conference) We Have Forgotten That the Way Is Narrow
By Paul Washer15K1:08:41Narrow WayMAT 7:13MAT 7:16MAT 7:20MAT 7:24HEB 12:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of building one's life on the Word of God. He challenges the common misconception that building on the sand represents a weak Christian life, while building on the rock represents a strong Christian life. Instead, he explains that those who hear and obey Jesus' teachings are like the man who builds his house on the rock, and they will stand firm in the face of God's judgment. On the other hand, those who hear but ignore Jesus' teachings will be destroyed when God's judgment comes. The preacher also highlights the need to discern true believers by their fruits, as Jesus taught, rather than relying on mere professions of faith.
凭他们的果子 - by Their Fruit
By Paul Washer9.3K1:00:35ChineseMAT 7:16EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher uses an illustration of arriving late to emphasize the importance of understanding the fallen nature of man. He argues that men are not just sinners, but inherently evil. The preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to be covered by the blood of Christ in order to be saved on judgment day. He also highlights the significance of one's actions as a reflection of their faith, stating that true believers will bear good fruit.
Shocking Youth Message Stuns Hearers
By Paul Washer5.4K1:03:561SA 6:19MAT 6:33MAT 7:13MAT 7:16ACT 17:302TI 3:161JN 2:15In this sermon, the preacher questions why so many people claim to have encountered Jesus Christ but are not permanently changed. He emphasizes the importance of genuine transformation and warns against repeatedly rededicating one's life without true fruit-bearing. The preacher highlights the need to bear good fruit and warns that those who do not bear fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. He concludes by urging the audience to build their lives on the rock of Jesus' teachings and not on the shifting sands of the world.
Se Pt3 - How Can You Have Assurance?
By Paul Washer3.2K43:14EZK 36:24MAT 7:1MAT 7:16JHN 5:131JN 2:151JN 2:291JN 3:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of not loving the world and its desires. He emphasizes that if anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them. The preacher also discusses the tests of fellowship with God, highlighting the need to walk in the light and not in darkness. He explains that walking in darkness means living in sin and not living by the truth. The sermon concludes with a plea for the listeners to be concerned for their souls and to embrace the grace and freedom found in Christ.
(Exodus) Exodus 28:33-43
By J. Vernon McGee3.2K02:46ExpositionalEXO 28:33MAT 7:16ACT 1:8EPH 6:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and authentic Christian life. He highlights the need for believers to not only talk about their faith but also live it out in their daily lives. The speaker draws parallels between the instructions given for the high priest's attire in the Bible and the qualities that believers should possess today. He mentions the significance of the bell and pomegranate on the high priest's robe, symbolizing the need for both witness and fruit in the lives of believers. The sermon also touches on the importance of modesty and avoiding any display of the flesh in the service of God.
Impostors in Our Midst
By John Legg1.9K48:56MAT 7:16JHN 3:16ROM 5:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of true repentance, genuine faith, and living a lifestyle in alignment with God's Word. It challenges listeners to examine their hearts, repent of hidden sins, and ensure their faith is genuine by bearing good fruit. The message highlights the love of God displayed through Christ's sacrifice and urges individuals to come to the foot of the cross for salvation.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
A Vision of Our Culture
By Dennis Kinlaw1.6K54:43VisionISA 6:6JER 1:5JER 18:18MAT 7:16MAT 16:24JHN 1:43GAL 6:9In this sermon, the preacher shares a powerful experience he had during a gathering where he noticed a wave of sound coming from the audience every time he mentioned the name of Jesus. He explains that this wave of sound was the women weeping, and eventually, the men joined in as well. The preacher reflects on the significance of the name of Jesus, stating that when all other options have failed, the name of Jesus holds great power and allure. He then transitions to discussing a passage from Jeremiah where God instructs him to root out, pull down, destroy, overthrow, build, and claim. The preacher admits feeling discouraged by the first four instructions but emphasizes the importance of the last two. He concludes by reminding the audience of the treasure and necessity of God's word and the need for the Holy Spirit's guidance.
The Church Today Asleep & in Bondage #2
By Milton Green1.2K2:01:56MAT 7:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of being exceedingly fruitful as believers, highlighting the significance of recognizing false prophets and teachers by their fruit. It delves into the establishment of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants, emphasizing the everlasting nature of this covenant. The message encourages a new perspective on living by every word from God's mouth, contrasting living to eat with eating to live spiritually. It concludes with a focus on humility, God's grace to the humble, and the transformative power of prayer and faith.
Words of Power and Grace
By Joshua Daniel1.1K25:41PSA 107:20PRO 18:21ISA 40:8MAT 7:16MAT 12:36MRK 1:29LUK 4:22EPH 4:29This sermon emphasizes the importance of counting our blessings and acknowledging the works of God in our lives. It delves into the power of words and the impact they can have on others, highlighting the need for uplifting language and the avoidance of vulgarity. The sermon also touches on the significance of family dynamics and the role of prayer in bringing blessings to the family table. Additionally, it discusses the authority and power of Jesus in driving out evil spirits and the necessity of spreading the scriptures for the well-being of a nation.
(Proverbs) ch.20:6 - 21:8
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:00:30PRO 20:6MAT 7:16HEB 10:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of diligence and hard work in both earthly and spiritual matters. He references the book of Proverbs, which repeatedly teaches that laziness has no place in God's kingdom. The preacher also highlights the need for honesty in our speech, cautioning against deceitful tactics used in bargaining. He draws a parallel between the hardworking farmer who receives the first share of the crops and the person who diligently sows righteousness in their spiritual life. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to stay awake, work hard, and be honest in their dealings, both in the physical and spiritual realms.
Justification and Sanctification 2 (Romans 5:3)
By Ernest O'Neill61633:56EXO 6:8MAT 7:16ROM 5:9ROM 8:16GAL 5:19GAL 5:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of surrendering our lives to God and allowing Him to direct our paths. They emphasize that we often change the ground of our justification from our belief in the blood of Jesus to the way things are working out in our lives. The speaker also highlights the transformation that occurs when we surrender everything to God, as our lives begin to take on order and purpose. They caution against justifying our actions and instead encourage us to trust in God's control over our lives. The sermon concludes by mentioning that God wants to strengthen our faith as we face difficult challenges, reminding us to remain steadfast in our belief in Jesus.
The Gift of Prophecy
By Brian Guerin346:06ProphecySpiritual GiftsZEC 4:7MAT 7:16ACT 2:17ROM 12:61CO 13:11CO 14:1EPH 4:111TH 5:201PE 4:10REV 19:10Brian Guerin emphasizes the significance of prophecy in the Christian life, encouraging believers to pursue a personal relationship with God and to be open to the gifts of the Spirit, particularly prophecy. He illustrates the importance of bearing fruit in one's life as a reflection of one's walk with the Lord, and he shares personal anecdotes to highlight the necessity of encouragement and edification within the church community. Guerin also addresses the misconceptions surrounding prophecy, advocating for a healthy approach that allows for growth and learning, while emphasizing that prophecy should be rooted in love and aimed at building up the church. He encourages the congregation to eagerly desire the gift of prophecy, assuring them that mistakes are part of the learning process, and ultimately, the goal is to glorify God and strengthen one another.
Revival
By John Elias1MAT 3:8MAT 7:16JHN 15:2ROM 1:13GAL 5:22HEB 12:11JAS 3:17REV 22:2In this sermon, Larry Richards and W. E. Vine delve into the Biblical concept of 'karpos' (fruit), emphasizing its literal and figurative meanings. They highlight how 'karpos' symbolizes the consequence of physical, mental, or spiritual actions, predominantly seen in the Gospels as the outward expression of a person's essential being or character. The New Testament uses 'karpos' to represent benefits, advantages, profits, and utility, with Paul associating it with the 'fruit of the Spirit' in Galatians 5:22-23 and the author of Hebrews illustrating it as the results of a disciplined lifestyle. The various illustrative uses of 'karpos' in the Bible showcase its significance in reflecting righteous qualities, righteous actions, and the growth of new converts.
The Editors of the Independent
By Charles Finney1RevivalAccountability in MinistryMAT 7:16Charles Finney addresses the editors of The Independent, expressing his dismay at the negative portrayal of his revival efforts in America, particularly the claim that his ministry has caused harm to churches. He challenges the anonymous critics to provide concrete evidence of any disastrous results from his revivals, asserting that the fruits of his labor have been overwhelmingly positive. Finney emphasizes the importance of truth and accountability in the Christian community, urging those who spread rumors to come forward with facts rather than hearsay. He reflects on the genuine conversions and lasting impact of his revivals, asserting that they have brought many to a deeper faith in Christ. Finney's heartfelt plea serves as a reminder of the need for unity and support among believers in the face of criticism.
Who's Who? (How to Discern 5)
By Anton Bosch0EZK 33:4MAT 7:16JHN 21:151CO 15:332TI 2:152JN 1:9Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of discernment in checking every message against the plumbline of the Bible and evaluating the source of information, focusing on both the message and the messenger. He highlights the need to thoroughly examine a preacher's background, associations, qualifications, beliefs, life fruits, and endorsements to determine their trustworthiness. Anton stresses the significance of surrounding oneself with trustworthy advisors and discernment ministries to avoid false teachings and false teachers, urging listeners to test every spirit and hold fast to the doctrine of Christ.
Trying the Spirits
By J.C. Philpot0PSA 139:23ISA 57:15MAT 7:161CO 2:152CO 13:51JN 4:1J.C. Philpot preaches about the importance of discerning between the true spirit of God and the false spirits that abound in the professing church. He highlights the need to test the spirits by the word of truth, the work of God in our own soul, the effects of the spirit in our bosom, and the influence on others. Philpot emphasizes the necessity of having a tender, prayerful, careful, faithful, and loving spirit as marks of the true spirit of Christ, contrasting it with the Antinomian, self-righteous, worldly, proud, and unforgiving spirits of error. He urges believers to be discerning and cautious in identifying and rejecting false spirits that deny the reality of Jesus Christ's incarnation and work.
Altar Calls - Are They a Biblical Approach?
By Shane Idleman0MAT 7:16LUK 3:8ACT 3:19TIT 1:16JAS 2:141JN 2:15Shane Idleman challenges the approach to altar calls in the church today, emphasizing the importance of genuine repentance and transformation of the heart over superficial responses. He highlights the danger of offering false assurance through emotional appeals that lack true fruit of repentance and a changed life. Idleman stresses the need for a deep understanding of biblical repentance, where turning from sin and turning to God is a condition of the heart that leads to genuine conversion. He urges for a shift from focusing on numbers and outward actions to emphasizing the inward transformation that comes from a true encounter with God's grace and love.
A Letter From Luke Howard
By Job Scott0ISA 52:7ISA 52:10MAT 7:16JHN 1:291CO 14:202CO 3:61PE 1:181JN 3:91JN 5:4Luke Howard addresses a letter to a friend in America, critiquing a posthumous treatise by Job Scott on 'Salvation by Christ.' Howard expresses concerns about Scott's unconventional views on regeneration, suggesting that Scott's doctrines may lack proper grounding in Scripture and may lead to confusion and division within the religious community. Howard highlights the importance of humility, charity, and a deep understanding of the teachings of Christ to avoid falling into doctrinal errors and self-righteousness. He urges for a sincere and spiritually minded approach to faith, emphasizing the need for practical application of Christian principles rather than mere intellectual assent to doctrines.
Tried by Its Fruits
By J.C. Ryle0Evidence of FaithFruits of ChristianityMAT 7:16J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound impact of Christianity on the world, arguing that its fruits serve as undeniable evidence of its divine origin. He challenges skeptics to consider the moral and social advancements brought about by Christianity, contrasting it with the moral decay of the pre-Christian world. Ryle asserts that true Christianity, characterized by its core doctrines, has consistently produced positive outcomes, while false representations have failed to bear fruit. He calls for a recognition of the debt humanity owes to Christianity and urges believers to live out their faith authentically to counteract modern skepticism. Ultimately, Ryle concludes that the fruits of Christianity are a powerful testament to its truth and relevance.
His Life, His Work, His Glory
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 7:16MAT 13:21MAT 21:43JHN 14:21EPH 4:1Richard E. Bieber preaches about the importance of bearing good fruits as evidence of receiving the gift of salvation from God. He emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is within us and expects us to produce proper fruits. The new life in Christ requires diligence and obedience to God's standard, which is exemplified by Jesus. Believers are encouraged to be diligent workers in God's Vineyard, finishing what they start and enjoying God's Sabbath Rest along the way.
Do Not Bear Proper Fruits
By Harmon A. Baldwin0PRO 16:2MAT 7:16MAT 7:20ROM 14:41CO 4:5GAL 6:4JAS 2:171PE 1:221JN 1:71JN 3:18Harmon A. Baldwin addresses the objection that many professors of holiness do not bear the fruits of holiness, comparing it to the fallacy of assuming all people speak English or German just because those encountered do. He explains that some who claim holiness may lack proper evidence due to misunderstanding, lack of knowledge, or over-conscientiousness, leading to a deficiency in bearing fruits. Baldwin also highlights that some may be cleansed but mistaken in requirements, emphasizing that God purifies motives and allows room for growth in grace. Additionally, he points out the error in expecting more from holiness professing individuals than God does and acknowledges the presence of hypocrites within the holiness profession.
A Devil in an Angel's Garb!
By Thomas Brooks0True HolinessThe Danger of FormalismMAT 7:162TI 3:5Thomas Brooks warns against the dangers of formalism in faith, emphasizing that many possess only a superficial appearance of godliness while lacking its true power and substance. He illustrates that formalists may appear devout through their words and actions, yet their hearts are devoid of genuine holiness, making them spiritually barren. Brooks compares them to a well-drawn picture that lacks life, highlighting that while the form of godliness is common, its true power is rare and transformative. He cautions that such individuals, despite their outward appearances, are ultimately unfruitful and face dire consequences if they do not seek true spiritual life.
An Exhortation and Caution
By James Smith0MAT 7:16MAT 7:22ROM 8:61CO 15:582CO 13:5GAL 6:7HEB 4:1JAS 1:22JAS 4:171PE 1:15James Smith preaches on the importance of being doers of the word, not just hearers, emphasizing that the Word of God is our daily counselor, guide, and friend, containing all necessary for comfort, direction, and safety. He urges Christians to walk in wisdom, love, and loyalty in various roles and relationships, highlighting the need for obedience, humility, and submission. Smith warns against self-deception, stressing the importance of genuine faith, holiness, and sanctification through the Word. He encourages believers to examine themselves, ensuring their faith is evidenced by good works and a life that glorifies God.
Pharisees Imagine That God Is Their Father When Actually Satan Is Their Father
By Zac Poonen0MAT 7:16MAT 12:33JHN 8:421JN 3:10Zac Poonen delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of truly knowing God as our Father through our love for Jesus. He highlights how Jesus confronted the Pharisees, revealing that their true father was the devil due to their accusatory and condemning nature. Poonen emphasizes the need for Christians to bear fruit in their lives as evidence of their relationship with God, cautioning against mere lip service without genuine transformation. He challenges church leaders to prioritize truth over reputation and to earnestly seek the salvation of souls to avoid the weight of unconverted hearts on their hands.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ye shall know them by their fruits--not their doctrines--as many of the elder interpreters and some later ones explain it--for that corresponds to the tree itself; but the practical effect of their teaching, which is the proper fruit of the tree. Do men gather grapes of thorns--any kind of prickly plant. or figs of thistles?--a three-pronged variety. The general sense is obvious--Every tree bears its own fruit.
John Gill Bible Commentary
As is the tree, so is its fruit; if the tree is good, it will bring forth good fruit. The tree that brings forth good fruit, is good antecedent to the fruit it produces; it is first good, and then puts forth good fruit: it is not the fruit that makes the tree good, but makes it appear to be so; but it is the goodness of the tree that makes the fruit good. As a good man does, and will do good works, but his works do not make him a good man; he is so before he performs good works, or he would never be able to do them; these make him appear to be a good man: so a good preacher, that has an experimental knowledge of the doctrines of the Gospel, will deliver out sound doctrine, who is first made so by the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God; and by searching the Scriptures, and examining his doctrines by them, he will be known and appear to be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and good doctrine; and such a good minister of the Gospel, out of the good treasure of Gospel truths put into his earthen vessel, will bring forth, from time to time, good and excellent truths, to the edification and profit of those that hear: "but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit"; if the tree is corrupt, the fruit will be corrupt; and as is the preacher, so will be his doctrines: if he is a corrupt preacher, or a man of a corrupt mind, destitute of the truth, his preaching will be such as will tend to corrupt both the principles and practices of men; for such evil men and seducers, out of the evil treasure of false doctrines, which they have received into their judgments, will bring forth, either more secretly or openly, evil tenets in their ministry, which prove of bad consequence to the souls of men. As is the tree, so is its fruit; if the tree is good, it will bring forth good fruit. The tree that brings forth good fruit, is good antecedent to the fruit it produces; it is first good, and then puts forth good fruit: it is not the fruit that makes the tree good, but makes it appear to be so; but it is the goodness of the tree that makes the fruit good. As a good man does, and will do good works, but his works do not make him a good man; he is so before he performs good works, or he would never be able to do them; these make him appear to be a good man: so a good preacher, that has an experimental knowledge of the doctrines of the Gospel, will deliver out sound doctrine, who is first made so by the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God; and by searching the Scriptures, and examining his doctrines by them, he will be known and appear to be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and good doctrine; and such a good minister of the Gospel, out of the good treasure of Gospel truths put into his earthen vessel, will bring forth, from time to time, good and excellent truths, to the edification and profit of those that hear: "but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit"; if the tree is corrupt, the fruit will be corrupt; and as is the preacher, so will be his doctrines: if he is a corrupt preacher, or a man of a corrupt mind, destitute of the truth, his preaching will be such as will tend to corrupt both the principles and practices of men; for such evil men and seducers, out of the evil treasure of false doctrines, which they have received into their judgments, will bring forth, either more secretly or openly, evil tenets in their ministry, which prove of bad consequence to the souls of men. Matthew 7:18 mat 7:18 mat 7:18 mat 7:18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,.... A man that is unprincipled with the grace of God, has an experimental acquaintance with the Gospel of Christ, and is guided by the Spirit of God into all truth, as it is in Jesus, cannot knowingly deliver, maintain, and abide by any doctrine that is contrary to the glory of God's grace, and the person of Christ, the work of the Spirit, the fundamental doctrines of the Bible; or what is repugnant to the experiences of God's people, and prejudicial to their souls. Neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. A corrupt preacher, one destitute of the truth of the Gospel, reprobate concerning the faith, who never had any experience of the doctrines of grace, and denies them in the theory of them, cannot, consistent with himself, and his own principles, deliver, or preach good doctrine; or that which tends to produce any good fruit, either in the experience or lives of men. It is true, a corrupt man, that is, an unregenerate man, may preach sound doctrine, it being what he believes, though he has no experience of it: but then this man is not a corrupt tree, that is, a corrupt preacher, though a corrupt man. As our Lord means by "a good tree", not a good man, barely, or one that is made so by the grace of God; but a good minister, one that is furnished by the Spirit of God, and is well instructed in the kingdom of heaven: so by "a corrupt tree" he does not mean a corrupt man, a man that is in a state of nature, habitually and practically evil; but a corrupt preacher, a false prophet or teacher, that has sucked in corrupt principles, and has nothing else in him, and therefore can bring forth no other.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:16-17 Good and bad fruit refers to moral behavior (see 3:8, 10; 12:33-37; 13:8; 21:43; Gal 5:19-23).