Luke 6:45Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

But although the fruit is caused by the tree, yet it brings to us the knowledge of the tree, because the distinctive nature of the tree is made evident by the fruit, as it follows, For every tree is known by its fruit.

Every person's heart serves as a storehouse. When it is filled with goodness, a person embodies goodness and utters uplifting words; however, when the heart is laden with wickedness, a person reflects that evil through their speech. Just as your teachings reveal decay, so does your way of life, for your words stem from the overflow of your heart. How can you then guide others and address their transgressions when you yourself are guilty of greater sins?

Each man’s life also will be a criterion of his character. For not by extrinsic ornaments and pretended humility is the beauty of true happiness discovered, but by those things which a man does; of which he gives an illustration, adding, For of thorns men do not gather figs.

The quality of the words shews the heart from which they proceed, plainly manifesting the inclination of our thoughts. Hence it follows, For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

On the thorns of this world the fig cannot be found, which as being better in its second fruit, is well fitted to be a similitude of the resurrection. Either because, as you read, The fig trees have put forth their green figs, (Cant. 2:13.) that is, the unripe and worthless fruit came first in the Synagogue. Or because our life is imperfect in the flesh, perfect in the resurrection, and therefore we ought to cast far from us worldly cares, which eat into the mind and scorch up the soul, that by diligent culture we may obtain the perfect fruits. This therefore has reference to the world and the resurrection, the next to the soul and the body, as it follows, Nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

He similarly expressed this in the twenty-second chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, so you may find it referenced there.

But take not these words to thyself as an encouragement to idleness, for the tree is moved conformably to its nature, but thou hast the exercise of free will; and every barren tree has been ordained for some good, but thou wert created unto the good work of virtue.

He does not then exclude repentance, but a continuance in evil, which as long as it is evil cannot bring forth good fruit, but being converted to virtue, will yield abundance. But what nature is to the tree, our affections are to us. If then a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit, how shall a corrupt heart?

Or, I think the thorns and bramble are the cares of the world and the prickings of sin, but the figs and the grapes are the sweetness of a new life and the warmth of love, but the fig is not gathered from the thorns nor the grape from the bramble, because the mind still debased by the habits of the old man may pretend to, but cannot bring forth the fruits of the new man. But we must know, that as the fruitful palm tree is inclosed and supported by a hedge, and the thorn bearing fruit not its own, preserves it for the use of man, so the words and acts of the wicked wherein they serve the good are not done by the wicked themselves, but by the wisdom of God working upon them.

In summary, the Lord urged us to consistently approach God in prayer during our times of need. He emphasized that our love for others should be at least equal to our love for ourselves and instructed us to walk in the path of righteousness with care. We are to remain vigilant against false prophets and put into practice the teachings we have received. By establishing these principles for His disciples, the Lord drew a clear distinction between their righteousness and that of the Pharisees, thereby creating a solid foundation for the spiritual development of His chosen community.

Verses 21-23 serve as a bridge from the previous discussion about false prophets to a final call to action; within this transition, it is emphasized why it is essential not only to hear Christ's teachings but also to implement them. Merely identifying oneself as a Christian does not guarantee salvation. Numerous individuals who perform deeds in Christ's name and work towards the salvation of others may experience divine power, including prophecy and miracles, specifically the driving out of evil spirits; yet, many of these individuals will ultimately confront the Lord at the Last Judgment and hear Him say, “I have never known you,” meaning they are not recognized as belonging to Him.