Proverbs 18:20-21 (ESV)
From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.
[21] Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Luke 6:39-45 (ESV)
He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? [40] A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. [41] Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? [42] How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. [43] "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, [44] for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. [45] The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Questions for Reflection
1. How have you been fooled by someone whose words were contrary to his or her actions?
2. What specific statements did Jesus make about fruit before applying the same truths to people? (6:43-44)
3. In what different but related ways is the word “good” used in these verses? (6:43, 45)
4. What do the tree and fruit symbolize in these words of Jesus? (6:43, 45)
5. What did Jesus describe as the source of good and evil things? (6:45)
6. How did Jesus describe the role of the human heart? (6:45)
7. How do people ultimately know about the state of our hearts? (6:45)
8. What is it about a person that actually has to change in order for good behavior to be produced?
9. When was the last time someone helped you examine how your life reflects or doesn’t reflect the presence of Christ?
