In Matthew 7:15-20, Jesus teaches His followers about the importance of discerning between true and false prophets, urging them to beware of those who come “in sheep’s clothing,” but inwardly are “ravening wolves.” The Lord declares that “by their fruits ye shall know them,” implying that the outcomes or results of an individual’s actions, teachings, and influence will ultimately reveal their true nature. This principle of judgment based on observable fruit is crucial for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as it offers a reliable means of recognizing divine truth from error. Doctrine & Covenants 52:17-18 echoes this concept, reinforcing the necessity of understanding the fruits of individuals’ actions to distinguish the righteous from the wicked, especially in a religious context. Together, these scriptures establish a pattern for recognizing truth through careful observation, reflection, and spiritual discernment, helping the faithful to navigate the challenges of living in a world full of competing voices and conflicting teachings.

Jesus’ warning in Matthew 7:15-20 underscores the reality that not all who claim to speak in the name of the Lord are actually His servants. False prophets, who may appear benign or even righteous on the surface, can mislead others by presenting ideas and doctrines that do not align with the truth. Jesus cautions against being deceived by outward appearances, stating that “ye shall know them by their fruits.” The fruit of an individual’s teachings and actions, whether good or evil, serves as a clear indicator of their true character and spiritual alignment. This teaching encourages a careful examination of the long-term effects and outcomes of one’s influence. Are the teachings leading to righteousness, faith, and love? Or are they producing division, confusion, and error? The emphasis on fruit as a marker for truthfulness is consistent with the broader scriptural principle that the ultimate measure of any doctrine, prophecy, or teaching lies in the fruits it produces in the lives of those who follow it.

The concept of “fruits” is important because it extends beyond mere words or claims. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the principle that truth is known by its fruits is echoed in the teachings of the modern prophets, who emphasize that true doctrine brings peace, joy, and positive change to individuals and communities. This understanding helps members of the Church to recognize truth from error, as they can evaluate the tangible impact of teachings on their lives and the lives of others. False doctrines, no matter how persuasive or well-spoken, fail to produce lasting, positive results, whereas the teachings of Christ, as revealed to His prophets, lead to transformation, healing, and a deeper relationship with God.

Doctrine & Covenants 52:17-18 further clarifies how the fruits of an individual’s actions are key in identifying truth. The Lord instructs that “by their works ye shall know them,” urging the Saints to assess the deeds of those who claim authority to determine if they are operating in harmony with the gospel. The Lord cautions against “deceiving” or “being deceived,” recognizing the inherent challenge of discerning truth in a world where appearances can be deceptive. These verses align closely with the teachings in Matthew, reinforcing that truth is not just found in declarations, but also in consistent, righteous actions. The connection between works and truth in these passages mirrors the counsel from James 2:17, which states that “faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” This understanding highlights that the recognition of truth is not a passive activity, but one that requires active engagement and careful observation of the lives of those who teach and lead.

When considering how the principles in these verses can be applied to the lives of Latter-day Saints, it is clear that the discernment of truth from error involves both personal observation and a reliance on spiritual confirmation through the Holy Ghost. While Matthew and Doctrine & Covenants outline external indicators—the fruits and works of a person’s actions—recognizing truth is also deeply tied to personal revelation. As individuals seek to align themselves with the gospel and its teachings, the Holy Ghost can provide a witness of the truthfulness of what they hear and experience. This process of personal confirmation, combined with an observance of the fruits of others’ actions, ensures that the faithful can recognize the truth in all things, whether they are considering a doctrine, a prophet’s counsel, or the influence of others within the Church.

The principle of discerning truth through fruits and works is a distinctive feature of the Latter-day Saint faith. While many Christian denominations emphasize the importance of adhering to scripture or accepting authority as the primary means of determining truth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places a significant emphasis on the personal and collective experience of recognizing truth through observable outcomes. This not only encourages active engagement in the process of discernment but also highlights the importance of transformation and spiritual growth as evidence of divine truth. Unlike some traditions that may prioritize doctrinal conformity or adherence to tradition as the primary measure of truth, Latter-day Saints are taught to consider both the doctrinal teachings and the tangible results they produce in the lives of believers.

In other religious traditions, there may be an emphasis on faith or scripture alone as the sole means of discerning truth, sometimes without as much consideration of how those teachings translate into real-world actions. While the teachings of Jesus Christ and the scriptures are undeniably important in the Latter-day Saint tradition, the emphasis on the fruits of those teachings as a sign of their truthfulness is a distinctive approach that can serve as both a protective mechanism and a source of ongoing spiritual discernment. The fruits of truth, as they manifest in joy, peace, love, and transformation, are a powerful witness that the teachings and actions associated with them are divinely inspired.

By combining scriptural principles with personal revelation, Latter-day Saints are uniquely equipped to discern truth from error. The teachings of Matthew 7:15-20 and Doctrine & Covenants 52:17-18 provide a framework for evaluating the fruits of individuals, doctrines, and actions, which ensures that members can confidently navigate the complexities of the modern world, discerning divine truth amid the noise of conflicting ideas and influences. The practice of considering both the outward fruits of teachings and the inner witness of the Holy Ghost empowers the faithful to make informed, spiritually guided decisions, enhancing their ability to recognize and embrace truth in all its forms.