Fruit Reveals the Heart
In Luke 6:43–45, Jesus presents a foundational principle of the Kingdom of God: the inner condition of the heart is revealed by one’s outward words and actions.
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”
This passage emphasizes that just as a tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces, a person is known by the character flowing from within. The fruit—our words, deeds, attitudes—reveals the reality of our inner life. Matthew 7:16–20 reiterates this truth: “By their fruit you will recognize them… every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.”
The condition of the heart determines our fruitfulness. Proverbs 4:23 warns, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” And John 15:5 teaches, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Only those who love God with all their heart and soul, keep Christ’s teachings, and do the will of the Father bear good fruit. John 14:21 says, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me,” and Matthew 7:21 reminds us, “Only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” will enter the kingdom.
Luke 6:43–45 makes it clear: only those who truly love God with all their heart and soul, keep Jesus’ commands, and do His will can understand and live out this teaching. Their hearts are made pure, their lives fruitful, and their words reflect the life of Christ within.
