Matthew 12:33-37 A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit

What comes out of our mouths is determined by the intent of the heart. Motives determine the content of our conversation and judgments. It is impossible to expect good out of the mouth of a person whose heart is bent towards evil, just like it is impossible to expect good fruit from a bad tree. “The tree is known by its fruit.” Whether good or evil, every person has a treasure from which they dig out their words. On the day of judgment, we will be judged based on our spoken words. By our words we will be justified or condemned.

The Pharisees spoke evil words against Jesus as they accused him of casting out demons in the name of Beelzebul, a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Jesus tries to have them see that the real issue is their heart’s condition from which those words flowed. To follow Jesus is to be careful about the words we speak because they display our heart’s condition and will determine our future on the day of judgment.

Father, change my heart so that my words may be right and true. Help me watch what I say that I may honor you with every word.