Understanding Matthew 7:15-20 in Everyday Language
Have you ever wondered how to tell if someone has good intentions or is truly honest? The Bible gives us a simple but powerful way to figure this out: “You will know them by their fruits.” This phrase comes from Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 7:15-20, and here’s what it means in plain, everyday language.
Spotting the Good from the Bad
Jesus warns us about “false prophets”—people who pretend to be good and trustworthy, but are actually out to mislead or harm others. He says these folks are like wolves dressed up as sheep. On the outside, they seem gentle or harmless, but inside, they’re hungry to take advantage of people.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
Think of a fruit tree. If you see a healthy apple tree, you expect it to grow delicious apples. If the tree is sick, its fruit will be bad or missing. In the same way, it’s our actions—what we say and do—that show our true character. You can’t get grapes from a thornbush, and you won’t find figs growing on a thistle. People who are genuine and good will show it in how they live, treat others, and what they teach.
· Good fruit = good behavior and words.
· Bad fruit = harmful, selfish, or dishonest actions.
Look Beyond the Surface
Just because someone seems nice or appears to be religious doesn’t mean they’re automatically trustworthy. Jesus reminds us not to be fooled by appearances. Instead, watch for “fruit”—the results of their actions and the way they live. Are they honest, caring, and trustworthy? Or do they stir up trouble, teach things that lead people away from kindness, and seem more focused on themselves than others?
Why Does It Matter?
By paying attention to a person’s “fruits,” we can protect ourselves from being misled. Jesus says that anyone who does not produce good fruit eventually faces consequences—just like a useless tree gets chopped down. In other words, pretending to be good won’t last. Real goodness shows up in everyday life.
How Can You Use This?
· Be watchful: Don’t just believe everything you hear or see. Look at what people actually do.
· Trust actions, not just words: Words alone can be misleading, but consistent good actions are hard to fake.
· Grow good fruit yourself: Focus on living honestly, kindly, and helpfully so your own life shows good fruit to others.
The Bottom Line
“You will know them by their fruits” is a reminder to judge others—not by their promises or appearance—but by the way they live and what comes from their actions. It’s a simple test: Do their words and deeds lead to good or bad things? Let this guide you in choosing who to trust and how you live your own life.
Minister A Francine Green July 2026