By Their Fruits

Posted by on Jul 13, 2021 in Articles | 0 comments

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Matthew 7:16

Throughout our lives we have to keep vigil of things and people that influence us (1 Cor 15:33). Scripture is filled with warnings of not allowing ourselves to be deceived (Eph 5:6, 1 John 3:7). The Bible points us toward using our ability to observe to come to wise conclusions on such matters. The saying “if you look and listen closely, a man will tell you what he is” holds much wisdom and in a sense, summarises many things taught on such matters. 

Beware of those who are not what they seem. Sinful individuals are often a master of disguise. Matthew 7:15 warns, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves”. Jesus is warning here not to be misled by those who simply look the part. Many good-hearted trusting folks are misled daily in the world by those who wear nice clothes, speak with proper grammar, and smile while their words spread lies, fear, and lead people down a wrong path in living their lives. How often does it happen that we see those who have never done a meaningful thing gain influence simply because they know how to act the part? The Lord was plain in warning us of falling victim to such!

Beware of those who are dominated by their own traditions. Paul writes in Colossians 2:8, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ”. As Christians, we should make certain our traditions are those found totally in the Bible and not based on any thoughts or feelings of men. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 reminds us, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle”.

In conclusion, we are instructed to simply look at the results. Matthew 7:20 says, “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them”. No matter what the results or fruits of a man are, they will prove the truth of that man. Therefore, we can simply protect ourselves by trusting the fruits of those we encounter as we live here on this earth.

By Jason Barger

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