You Will Know Them By Their Fruit

Have you ever struggled to know whether you should take someone's advice or not? A well-meaning relative, a close friend, a neighbor, a teacher, an adviser?

I was reminded again of this verse last week as we stopped by the young orchard in our neighborhood...

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Matthew 7:15-18

Notice that although the verse calls them "ravenous wolves", which brings to mind easily recognizable evil, they are so "inwardly", and so outwardly, they may appear well-intentioned, concerned for your well being,




knowledgeable, reasonable,




helpful, caring, fun and satisfying.



It is only upon closer inspection that you will find the truth.
You will know them by their fruit.




How is the fruit they bear?



Take a good look.
Is it well? Is it good?




In this orchard's case, almost all the fruit has split from over-watering. The fruit plumped too fast for the skin to stretch and a whole year's crop is wasted. So disappointing after waiting all spring and summer for a sweet harvest!