We’ve all heard the expression: “by their fruits you will know them.”

It’s from Matthew 7:16.

The actual phrase in context in the recent Catholic translation: ““Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit.”

But what is good fruit; and what’s bad?

Obviously, blatant evil is bad: crime, hatred, sexual immorality, greed, satanism, violence, lying, abortion, destruction of anything and all God has made.

But how about when it comes to more subtle discernment—as indeed with “prophets”?

And everyone else?

Scripture tells us that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).

This is very important. Who around you and in public life passes the test?

A person’s character and their true nature are revealed through their actions and behaviors.

But often it’s complex. There is good and evil. Or, something seem nice on the surface.

But is it?

It get down to something very simple, when it comes to being a “fruit inspector”:

Does who or what you are weighing, you are trying to discern, bring you closer to God or away from Him?

It’s that simple. No matter how nice, if it doesn’t bring you closer to God, it at least lacks greatness.

Think of this the next time you listen to music, or read about a person, or are reading something or viewing someone or considering closeness with a person, place, or thing.

The standard is the Lord, and anything or anyone who causes trouble—however “minor”—in walking with Him (confusion, dispute, anxiety) is not functioning with the Grace of Heaven.

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