By Their Fruits You Shall Know Them…
Matthew 7:17-20 is often quoted in Christian circles as a call to self-evaluation: “Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them”.
Many believers interpret this passage as a means to examine the fruit of their own lives or even to discern the authenticity of other Christians. However, a closer look at the context reveals that Jesus is speaking about false teachers, not individual self-assessment or the judgment of others’ salvation.
Identifying False Teachers
This passage is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, specifically in the section where He warns against false prophets: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15).
The warning is clear: these individuals present themselves as trustworthy and godly, yet their motives and teachings are destructive. The “fruits” mentioned in verses 17-20 are the outward manifestations of their teachings and influence, not the moral behavior that they display.
The “fruits” are not merely their actions but the results of their doctrine. Jesus warns His hears that they will not be able to identify a false prophet by their just their actions and appearance. A false teacher may appear outwardly pious and morally upright, but their teaching will ultimately lead people away from the good news of Jesus. He uses the analogy of a tree to explain how to identify a false teacher.
A good tree produces good fruit, meaning the teaching or the fruit that comes from this tree, will be teaching that points people to Christ. A corrupt tree produces evil fruit, meaning the teaching or the fruit that comes from this tree will be drawing attention away from the sufficiency of Christ and placing the burden back on the hearer and their righteousness.
False teachers often subtly shift the focus from God’s grace to human effort. This is evident in Jesus’ warning that follows these verses: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23). More on this passage here.
Focusing on the Good Fruit
Rather than using this passage as a call for self-doubt or judgment of others’ salvation, Christians should heed its original intent: to be vigilant against false teachers. These are individuals who distort the gospel, whether by adding to it, subtracting from it, or redirecting its focus. As Paul writes in Galatians 1:8-9, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.”
True teachers will consistently point believers to Christ alone for salvation. Their “fruit” is the clear proclamation of the gospel.
Matthew 7:17-20 is not a text about self-evaluation or scrutinizing others to determine their salvation. It is a sober warning to discern the teachings we hear and follow. False teachers, though they may appear genuine, are revealed by their corrupt fruit—teaching that undermines the gospel and leads people away from Christ. As believers, our focus must remain fixed on the good tree, Jesus Christ, and the life-giving fruit of His gospel. Only in Him can we find the nourishment and growth that lead to eternal life.