Words Reveal Character

33 “Either [a]assume the tree to be good as well as its fruit good, or [b]assume the tree to be bad as well as its fruit bad; for (A)the tree is known by its fruit. 34 (B)You [c]offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, express any good things? (C)For the mouth speaks from that which fills the heart. 35 (D)The good person brings out of his good treasure good things; and the evil person brings out of his evil treasure evil things. 36 But I tell you that for every [d]careless word that people [e]speak, they will give an account of it on the (E)day of judgment. 37 For [f]by your words you will be justified, and [g]by your words you will be condemned.”

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Footnotes

  1. Matthew 12:33 Lit make
  2. Matthew 12:33 Lit make
  3. Matthew 12:34 Or brood
  4. Matthew 12:36 Or useless
  5. Matthew 12:36 Lit will speak
  6. Matthew 12:37 Or in accordance with
  7. Matthew 12:37 Or in accordance with

A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit

33 (A)“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad, (B)for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 (C)You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, (D)when you are evil? (E)For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 (F)The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, (G)on the day of judgment (H)people will give account for (I)every careless word they speak, 37 for (J)by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

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