What does Matthew 7:15-20 mean?

¹⁵ Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. ¹⁶ Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? ¹⁷ Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. ²⁰ Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. (Matthew 7:15-20 KJV)

A Tree and Its Fruit

We have here a caution against false prophets, warning us to take heed that we are not deceived by them. Prophets properly foretell future events, but in the Old Testament, some falsely claimed this ability, and the outcome disproved their claims, like Zedekiah (1 Kings 22:11) and another Zedekiah (Jeremiah 29:21). However, prophets also teach people their duty, so false prophets here are false teachers. Christ, being a Prophet and Teacher sent from God, warns against counterfeits who, instead of healing souls with sound doctrine, will poison them.

False teachers and false prophets:

1. Those who claim false authority, pretending to be divinely inspired when they are not. Even if their doctrine is true, we must beware of them. Just as false prophets, false apostles are those who claim to be apostles but are not (Revelation 2:2).
2. Those who teach false doctrine, contradict the truth in Christ and godliness. False prophets often pretend to be true, using deception to spread their errors.

It is worthy to say that “When God’s work is revived, Satan and his agents are most active.” A good reason for this caution against these false professors is that false prophets and false teachers are wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15), and this is why:

1. Their deception is convincing. They come in sheep’s clothing, appearing innocent, meek, and pious. They pretend to be just men and are welcomed among the sheep, which gives them the opportunity to do harm. Satan transforms himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:13-14). Their words and actions seem soft and harmless, but their intent is destructive.
2. Their real intentions are harmful. Inwardly, they are ravenous wolves, the worst enemy of the sheep. They come only to tear, devour, and scatter (John 10:12). Those who deceive us with error intend harm to our souls. Paul calls them “grievous wolves” (Acts 20:29), serving their own desires and making a gain of others (Romans 16:18). Because it is easy and dangerous to be deceived, beware of false prophets.

A good rule to test them is found in Matthew 7:16-20: “You shall know them by their fruits.” You cannot always tell a tree by its bark and leaves, but its fruit will reveal its nature. Men may pretend, but their actions will eventually show the truth – “By their fruits, you shall know them.”

1. Their personal lives: Observe how they live. The scribes and Pharisees sat in Moses’s seat and taught the law, but they were proud, greedy, and oppressive, so Christ warned against them (Mark 12:38). Those who claim to be prophets but live immorally disprove their own claims. No one truly sent by the Holy God will live under the influence of an unclean spirit.
2. Their doctrine: Test their teachings by their effects. True doctrine promotes piety, humility, charity, holiness, and love. False doctrine leads to pride, worldliness, division, and looseness in behavior. If teachings encourage sin and take people away from the narrow way, they are not from God (Galatians 5:8). True wisdom is from above (James 3:15). Faith and good conscience go together (1 Timothy 1:19; 3:9). Doctrines must be tested by their fruits and by the ultimate standard—the law and the testimony. Do they align with Scripture?