New Testament
Matthew 12:35
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A good person draws good things from the good stored up inside them. An evil person draws evil things from the evil stored up inside them.
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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.
What Matthew 12:35 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches that a person's true character is revealed by their actions and words. A good person, who has goodness in their heart, will naturally produce good deeds and speak positively. Conversely, an evil person, filled with negativity and malice, will express that through their actions and words. This highlights the importance of what we nurture within ourselves, as it ultimately shapes our behavior and influences those around us. The 'treasure' in our hearts refers to our values, beliefs, and experiences, which guide our choices. Therefore, cultivating goodness within ourselves is essential for leading a life that reflects positive qualities and impacts others positively. This verse serves as a reminder to examine our inner selves and strive to fill our hearts with goodness, as it will manifest in our lives and interactions with others.
How to apply Matthew 12:35 to your life
To apply this teaching, focus on nurturing positive thoughts and values in your life. Engage in activities that promote goodness, such as helping others, practicing kindness, and reflecting on your motivations. This will help you produce good actions and words in your daily life.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 12:35 teach about human nature?
Matthew 12:35 teaches that a person's true character is revealed through their actions and words. It emphasizes that good people, who have goodness in their hearts, will naturally produce good deeds, while evil people will express negativity and malice. This verse highlights the importance of nurturing positive qualities within ourselves, as they shape our behavior and influence those around us.
How can I cultivate goodness in my heart according to this verse?
To cultivate goodness in your heart, focus on positive thoughts and values. Engage in activities that promote kindness, such as volunteering, helping others, and practicing gratitude. Reflect on your motivations and strive to fill your mind with uplifting influences, such as inspirational books or positive relationships. By nurturing goodness within, you will naturally produce good actions and words in your daily life.
What does 'treasure of the heart' mean in this context?
In Matthew 12:35, the 'treasure of the heart' refers to the values, beliefs, and experiences that we hold within ourselves. It symbolizes what we nurture and prioritize in our lives. The verse suggests that these inner treasures directly influence our actions and words, meaning that what we cultivate internally will manifest externally in our behavior and interactions with others.
How does this verse relate to self-examination?
This verse encourages self-examination by prompting individuals to reflect on what they are nurturing within themselves. By assessing our inner thoughts, values, and motivations, we can determine whether we are cultivating goodness or negativity. This self-awareness is crucial for personal growth and moral integrity, as it allows us to make conscious choices that align with positive qualities.
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