Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks

The proof is in the fruit.

Figs (Image Source: Canva Stock Library)

“For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭43‬-‭45‬ ‭ESV‬‬

We have the metaphor of the figs.

We have the challenge: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

We have the analogy of “Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them … is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock.”

Jesus is trying to make a point here.

It’s easy to talk the religious talk. It’s easy to offer intellectual assent. It’s easy to say we are followers of the rabbi.

But when and where does it really matter? As my friend Adam puts it, the evidence is in the outputs.

What are we actually thinking, saying, and doing each moment, each hour, each day? This is the fruit of our hearts.

And the proof is in the fruit.