Matthew 12:35

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

A good {G18} man {G444} out of {G1537} the good {G18} treasure {G2344} of the heart {G2588} bringeth forth {G1544} good things {G18}: and {G2532} an evil {G4190} man {G444} out of {G1537} the evil {G4190} treasure {G2344} bringeth forth {G1544} evil things {G4190}.

The good person brings forth good things from his store of good, and the evil person brings forth evil things from his store of evil.

The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure.

The good man out of his good treasure bringeth forth good things: and the evil man out of his evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Matthew 12:35, part of a larger discourse by Jesus, succinctly illustrates a profound spiritual principle: our outward expressions—our words and deeds—are direct reflections of our inner character and the true condition of our heart. It emphasizes that what we store up within ourselves, whether good or evil, will inevitably manifest in our actions and influence our interactions with the world.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus' teaching in Matthew 12:33 about how a tree is known by its fruit, and Matthew 12:34, where He declares, "O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Jesus was confronting the Pharisees, who were attributing His miracles to Beelzebub rather than the Holy Spirit. His point was that their malicious words revealed the wickedness stored in their hearts. Verse 35 serves as a summary statement, presenting a universal truth about humanity's inner source of behavior, applicable to both righteous and unrighteous individuals.

Key Themes

  • The Heart as a Storehouse: The "treasure of the heart" (Greek: thēsauros) refers to what one accumulates, cherishes, and holds dear within their inner being. It's the repository of one's character, beliefs, intentions, and desires. What is stored there, whether good or evil, determines what comes out.
  • Actions as Manifestations: The verse posits a direct correlation between internal state and external output. Good actions and words flow from a heart filled with goodness, while evil actions and words emanate from a heart full of malice or corruption. This principle is echoed in Luke 6:45.
  • Moral Accountability: Jesus' teaching implies that individuals are responsible for the "treasure" they cultivate in their hearts. This isn't merely about outward behavior but about the very source from which all behavior springs. Cultivating a good heart is paramount for producing good fruit.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "treasure" is thēsauros (θησαυρός), which literally means a storehouse, a chest for keeping valuables, or the valuables themselves. In this context, it vividly portrays the heart as a container or vault where one's inner character, convictions, and desires are stored. The phrase "bringeth forth" (Greek: ekballei, ἐκβάλλει) suggests an active expulsion or bringing out, reinforcing the idea that what is within will inevitably be externalized.

Practical Application

Matthew 12:35 serves as a powerful call to introspection and self-examination. It challenges believers to consider what kind of "treasure" they are cultivating in their hearts. Are we filling our inner storehouse with God's Word, prayer, and righteous desires, leading to the fruit of the Spirit? Or are we allowing bitterness, envy, or worldly desires to accumulate, which will ultimately produce negative outcomes? This verse underscores the critical importance of guarding our hearts, as advised in Proverbs 4:23: "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life." By focusing on inward transformation through Christ, we can ensure that our outward lives reflect His goodness.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Colossians 4:6

    Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

  • Proverbs 15:28

    ¶ The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.

  • Proverbs 15:4

    ¶ A wholesome tongue [is] a tree of life: but perverseness therein [is] a breach in the spirit.

  • Colossians 3:16

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

  • Proverbs 25:11

    ¶ A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.

  • Proverbs 25:12

    [As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

  • Matthew 12:34

    O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
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