Topical Bible: Fruits: (Bad) of the Conduct and Conversation of Evil Men

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In the biblical context, the term "fruits" often symbolizes the outcomes or results of one's actions and character. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the nature and consequences of the conduct and conversation of evil men, often contrasting them with the righteous.

Biblical Descriptions and Warnings

The Bible frequently warns against the influence and behaviors of those who engage in wickedness. In the Book of Proverbs, the conduct of evil men is depicted as a path leading to destruction: "The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over what they stumble" (Proverbs 4:19). This imagery underscores the inherent danger and confusion that accompany a life of sin.

The New Testament further elaborates on the corrupting influence of evil deeds. In his epistle to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul contrasts the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit," highlighting the destructive nature of sinful behaviors: "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like" (Galatians 5:19-21). These acts are indicative of a life not aligned with God's will and result in spiritual death.

Consequences of Evil Conduct

The Bible is clear about the ultimate fate of those who persist in evil. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns of the judgment awaiting those who produce bad fruit: "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire" (Matthew 7:19). This metaphor illustrates the severe consequences of a life characterized by sin and rebellion against God.

Moreover, the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, speaks of the wages of sin: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). This stark contrast between the outcomes of sin and the gift of salvation emphasizes the gravity of choosing a path contrary to God's righteousness.

The Call to Righteousness

While the Bible provides sobering insights into the fruits of evil conduct, it also offers hope and a call to repentance. Believers are encouraged to turn away from wickedness and to pursue a life that bears good fruit, as evidenced by a transformed character and godly actions. In the words of Jesus, "By their fruit you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:16). This recognition serves as both a warning and an invitation to live a life that reflects the love and holiness of God.

In conclusion, the fruits of the conduct and conversation of evil men are clearly delineated in Scripture as leading to destruction and separation from God. However, the Bible also extends the promise of redemption and transformation through faith in Jesus Christ, urging all to seek the fruits of righteousness that lead to eternal life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 12:33
Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Spies
... a flaw in his character, a mistake in his conduct, you have ... and guard, I shall now
bring forth THE BAD SPIES. ... for one man to carry; there are fruits that have ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the spies.htm

The Broken Fence
... over set it up again, and let it be seen by your conduct and conversation ... Nor is
this all, for as good things go out so bad things come in. ... Are there fruits? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the broken fence.htm

Faustus Asserts that Even if the Old Testament could be Shown to ...
... And, once more, common report gives a very bad account of ... to his ways, and according
to the fruits of his ... would be taught in due course the conduct required of ...
/.../faustus asserts that even if.htm

The Doctrines of Grace do not Lead to Sin
... seems to be no hope of a change in your wicked conduct. ... The Lord knows that bad as
men are the key of ... the gall of bitterness; for one of the sure fruits of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/the doctrines of grace do.htm

The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, Commonly Called the Didache
... your sins, and not approach prayer with a bad conscience. ... It is by their conduct
that the false prophet and ... 525] ?^3Hence take all the first fruits of vintage ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the teaching of the twelve.htm

Ephesians ii. 8
... as they have Opportunity, such good Fruits, and walking ... after I have thus guarded
against that bad and pernicious ... them to such a Behaviour, and Conduct; such a ...
/.../sermon ix ephesians ii 8.htm

Eve and Mary Continued.
... abstain from this action, which is not bad in itself ... meditate well and frequently
on the conduct that Mary ... in your youth to taste of those fruits, externally so ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter vi eve and mary.htm

Good Works
... for I reckon they are both alike, bad, if they ... me, he shall bring forth fruit." Fruits
of righteousness ... the Holy Spirit, the garment of a consistent conduct. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/good works.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... nobility of, no protection to the bad, [48]75 ... Conversation on religious matters
recommended, [660]10. ... for mourning, [671]240; examples of its evil effects in ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Translated from Latin of Rufinus.
... assert that the husbandman had made those fruits, but would ... Creator to be intended
who creates bad and ruined ... according to the deserts of its conduct, into a ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from latin of rufinus.htm