Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Matthew 7:20 NIV
In Matthew 7:15, Jesus issues a clear warning: “Watch out for false prophets.” He explains that they may appear gentle, even harmless, as though clothed in sheep’s wool. Yet beneath the surface, their hearts can be as dangerous as ferocious wolves. Jesus teaches that the surest way to recognise them is by the fruit their lives produce.
He asks a simple but striking question: do people gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? With this imagery, Jesus calls us to stay alert. He urges us to be discerning and remain on guard so that these deceptive voices do not draw us away from the truth.
Although these individuals may present themselves well outwardly, their inner reality tells a very different story. We see what stands on the surface, but only God sees the heart. Jesus, aware of this limitation, graciously provides a practical key: false prophets can indeed be identified when we look beyond appearances.
Jesus explains that their fruit reveals their true nature. A person may deliver impressive sermons, perform signs, or behave convincingly in public, yet still hide a corrupt heart. One can imitate ministry activities. Spiritual gifts can be misused. Public charisma can conceal private compromise. But the fruit of a life—the consistent pattern of behaviour, character, and conduct—cannot be faked for long.
Later in the chapter, Jesus offers a sobering picture of the final judgement (Matthew 7:21–23). Some will say, “We used Your authority to speak, cast out spirits, and work miracles.” Their words reveal their mistake: they focused on what they did for God, not on what God did in them. Their works did not flow from divine calling or genuine relationship. They operated with borrowed authority while rejecting the God who gave it.
These individuals had no true connection with the Source of the power they claimed. They used spiritual authority for personal gain rather than for the glory of God or the good of His kingdom. Their fruit exposed the truth. When the stage lights fade and the public performance ends, their real identity becomes visible in their homes, relationships, marriages, and everyday interactions. It is the unseen spaces that reveal who they truly are.
Jesus’ warning does more than help us identify false prophets; it invites us to examine our own lives. He calls us to remain watchful, not only to guard ourselves from deception but also to ensure that we do not fall into the same pattern. We must never use God’s authority while neglecting relationship, obedience, and intimacy with Him.
True fruit grows from a life surrendered to God. Ministry, gifts, or busy activity cannot replace the inward work of the Holy Spirit. What matters most is the kind of person we are becoming—the fruit of love, humility, purity, integrity, and obedience that He forms within us.
My prayer is that God will help us stay faithful, bear true fruit, and walk in deep, genuine relationship with Him. May He keep our hearts aligned with His will and our lives anchored in His truth.
Living It Out
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in discernment—not through suspicion, but through wisdom. Invite Him to examine your heart and reveal the fruit your life is currently producing. Seek to build a relationship with God that goes deeper than ministry activity or outward expression. Allow Him to cultivate fruit that reflects His character in every part of your life.