The wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit… (James 3:17).

You can tell a tree by the fruit it produces.

That’s a pretty simple metaphor.  You find it all through the Bible.

And it makes sense.

If you are walking in the wisdom of God, you will do things that reflect God’s character.  You will be merciful, because the God you follow is merciful.  You will walk in grace and strength and purity because these are qualities of the One you serve.  Conversely, if you walk in the wisdom of this world, you will bear the fruit of self-centeredness, greed, arrogance, and folly.  Because that’s what this world is about.

You see where I’m going, here?

If you want to want to judge a tree, look at its fruit.

If you want to judge a heart…

It’s Wednesday, Beloved.

Be a good tree.