Matthew 12:33-37·~1 min

Good and Bad Fruit

Jesus says a tree is known by its fruit and then presses the point onto speech, where the heart overflows into words. He contrasts good and evil treasure and warns that every careless word will face judgment.

M³³ake a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is known by its fruit. ³⁴You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. ³⁵The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. ³⁶But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ³⁷For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Section summaryJesus compares trees and fruit, then turns to the mouth as the overflow of the heart. He names the Pharisees a brood of vipers, speaks of good and evil treasure, and ends with judgment for every careless word and acquittal or condemnation according to speech.

Role in the chapterThis section links inward condition, outward speech, and final judgment with direct, measured force.