Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Matthew 7:15-18
Some of the oldest and most beautiful orange trees in the world can be found in Seville, Spain. The orange tree was introduced to Spain during the Islamic conquest more than 1,400 years ago. Thousands of “naranj” trees were planted along the streets and in the courtyards of houses. The blossoms of this variety are particularly fragrant, and ancient travelers described the way the smell filled the city in the spring. But the oranges borne by the citrus aurantium tree are different than the ones we are familiar with in the United States. The fruit of those trees in Spain is extremely bitter, so much so that it is almost impossible to eat. Instead, these bitter oranges are used for jam and marmalade where the tang of the orange contrasts with the sugars and sweeteners used. The orange trees of Seville look much like the ones we have in California, but the oranges they produce are very different.
It is not hard for people to put on an outward appearance that seems to be right and proper. Even the devil can do that. “And no marvel, for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). But when it comes time for the fruit to be tasted, it quickly becomes apparent what was truly in the heart. Evil motives and thoughts cannot produce good fruit. Jesus warned that there would be people who would attempt to deceive, concealing their true intentions, but that it would be impossible for them to keep concealing their real nature. Eventually the harvest comes and that is when it becomes evident what people are by what kind of fruit they produce.
