In biblical literature, the concept of "fruits" often serves as a metaphor for the outcomes or results of one's actions, character, or teachings. The Bible frequently uses the imagery of fruit to distinguish between what is good and what is evil, emphasizing the moral and spiritual implications of one's life choices.

Evil or Bad Fruits

The notion of "evil" or "bad" fruits is prominently featured in the teachings of Jesus, particularly in the context of discerning true from false prophets and genuine from hypocritical believers. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit" (Matthew 7:15-17). Here, Jesus underscores the principle that the nature of a person's heart and intentions is revealed through their actions and the outcomes of their lives.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the concept of bad fruits in his epistles. In Galatians, he contrasts the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit," listing behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to God's will. He writes, "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. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21). These "acts of the flesh" are indicative of a life not aligned with the Spirit, producing what can be considered evil or bad fruits.

In the Old Testament, the imagery of bad fruit is also used to describe the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness and disobedience to God. The prophet Isaiah laments the spiritual state of Israel, saying, "What more could have been done for My vineyard than I have already done for it? When I looked for good grapes, why did it yield only bad?" (Isaiah 5:4). This metaphor highlights the disappointment and judgment that result from failing to live according to God's covenant.

The theme of evil or bad fruits serves as a cautionary reminder throughout Scripture, urging believers to examine their lives and ensure that their actions reflect the righteousness and holiness that God desires. The consistent biblical message is that true faith and genuine relationship with God will manifest in good fruits, while a life disconnected from God will inevitably produce bad fruits.Matthew 7:17
Even so every good tree brings forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Detached Account of the Descent into Hell.
... waiting for the Redemption, was divided into different compartments ... trees covered
with delicious fruits which give ... approach, and cast themselves into the dark ...
/.../chapter lix a detached account.htm

Concerning Man.
... and the humours are composed of the fruits, and the ... obeys reason, on the other hand
is divided into anger and ... the excess of food is excreted into the draught ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter xii concerning man.htm

Second Tractate. On Providence (1).
... It is multiple, divided into various elements, thing standing apart ... vegetation, too;
the grace of fruits and even ... fine children, to grow, perhaps, into fine men ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/second tractate on providence 1.htm

On Schism
... It seems, in doing this, they divided into little parties ... backbiting and evil-speaking,
how many evil works will ... forty year: These have been the fruits which we ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 75 on schism.htm

Fifth Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to the Fruits of Faith.
... By such fruits is faith to be manifest. ... grace is always the same, and cannot be divided
or apportioned ... punishment, let it go unpunished until God looks into it ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/fifth sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

The Parables of the Kingdom.
... Kingdom of Heaven"[6] may be divided into two divisions. ... to a nation bringing forth
the fruits thereof" (S ... that state of grace and probation into which Christ's ...
/.../burbidge/the kingdom of heaven what is it/chapter iii the parables of.htm

How Sowers of Strifes and Peacemakers are to be Admonished.
... doing, yet there are in truth no fruits, because they ... and Paul escaped unhurt from
the divided crowd, which ... to infuse a love of internal peace into the minds ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxiii how sowers of.htm

Doctrine of Non-Resistance to Evil by Force must Inevitably be ...
... France, and Lorraine into Germany, and Bohemia into Austria, and that Poland was
divided, and Ireland ... not cultivate and capitalists enjoy the fruits of the ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter viii doctrine of non-resistance.htm

The Apocalypse of Baruch.
... i.-lxxvii., is divided into seven sections, the close of each ... to bring the odour
of aromatic fruits, and at ... to the stars, and shall be transformed into all the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the apocalypse of baruch.htm

Mahometans.
... works be exhausted, and there remain evil works only ... Mahometans are taught that hell
is divided into seven stories or ... will burst forth from its fruits; and that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/mahometans.htm

Should Christians judge the teachings of their leaders? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between tithes and offerings? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about self-discipline? | GotQuestions.org

Fruits: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus