Matthew 12:33

Tree; the heart.

Fruit; conversation and conduct.

Is known; there is a correspondence between men's feelings and their actions, as there is between a tree and its fruits: the one is known by the other. These words have a double reference. First, to Christ: let the Pharisees show that his works are evil, or admit that he is good. Secondly, to his adversaries: they are evil, and can neither do nor speak good things, as he says in the next verse: "O generation of vipers," etc. The difference in the character and conduct of men is according to the difference of their hearts; their chief concern, therefore, should be with their thoughts and feelings, not merely with their outward actions.