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AS THE TREE, SO THE FRUIT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23
James 3:12

Luke 6:44

 

“For every tree is known

by his own fruit…”

 

AS THE TREE, SO THE FRUIT
 
Another query follows, “Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs?” (James 3:12). No mango tree can bear durians, and no grapevine can produce strawberries. Similarly, not one fountain can produce both salty and sweet water. A well does not give both saltwater and fresh.
 
Can a fig tree bear olive berries? A fig tree bears only figs, so the tongue ought to give utterance only to one kind of sentiment and emotion. But if we are already born-again believers, why are we using our tongue to hurt? Oh, how we must be careful what we say. Jesus said such is the character of false prophets. “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt 7:18-20).
 
Can a vine bear figs? It is the same with the vine. It cannot bear figs. Jesus again highlights this truth in Matthew 12:34: “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” Christians, let us not take these things lightly. We must all admit that we have used our tongue to malign and gossip more than once.
 
Can a fountain both yield salt and fresh? No fountain can yield both salt water and fresh. Neither can a salt fountain yield fresh water. The Apostle argues from what is impossible. It is as ridiculous in religion for the tongue of a regenerate man, which is used to bless God, at other times curse man. Likewise, it would be strange for the same tree, on the same branch, to bear different kinds of fruits; or for the same fountain at the same place to send forth both bitter water and sweet.
 
Dear reader, we are found liars if we deny we are not like what is described above. We must repent and seek the Lord’s help to change us.
 
THOUGHT: Am I bearing the good fruit?
PRAYER: Father, help my weakness and frailties as I struggle with how to control my tongue. Let me be a blessing to others.

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