The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus isn't just saying words reflect what's inside; he's highlighting that the quantity spilling out demonstrates the quality within. The phrase "abundance of the heart" points to how what we constantly dwell on, the overflow of our inner world, inevitably finds its way to our lips. This reveals that our speech isn't a casual reflection, but a powerful indicator of the deepest currents of our being.
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus has just warned against hypocrisy and self-righteous judgment, explaining that the way we judge others will be the way we are judged. He then uses the metaphor of a tree and its fruit to show that true goodness or badness comes from an inner source, directly linking a person's character to the words they speak. This leads into the conclusion that what we say reveals the true state of our heart, whether good or evil.
Ever wonder why some people always seem to have a kind word, while others are quick to criticize? Jesus points to an inner 'treasure' as the source.
Jesus uses the powerful image of a 'treasure' to describe the contents of our heart. This isn't about monetary wealth, but the deep-seated attitudes, values, and desires we hold.
Two Kinds of Treasure
Whatever fills this inner 'treasure' inevitably spills out, shaping our actions and words.
Jesus connects our speech directly to what's overflowing from our hearts. It’s like a cup – what’s inside is what you’ll pour out.
The word 'abundance' (or 'overflow') is key here. Jesus isn't saying that everything you say perfectly reflects your heart's deepest state every single time. Instead, He's pointing to a general, undeniable tendency.
What the Overflow Reveals
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Understand the original words
kardia · Greek Noun
The central, immaterial aspect of a human being where thoughts, desires, intentions, and the will reside. In Scripture, it is considered the command center of human life and the seat of moral character.
perisseuma · Greek Noun
An overflow or excess; the fullness or wealth of something. In this context, it refers to the state where the contents of the heart are so full that they inevitably spill out through speech or action.
This passage directly parallels Luke 6:45, reiterating the idea that the mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart and questioning how 'evil' people can speak 'good things,' highlighting the source of speech.
Matthew 7:17-20Jesus uses the metaphor of a tree being known by its fruit, which directly connects to Luke 6:45's concept of a good person producing good from a good heart, and an evil person producing evil from an evil heart.
Proverbs 4:23This proverb emphasizes the importance of guarding one's heart above all else, because everything that happens in life flows from it, aligning with the idea in Luke 6:45 that the heart is the 'treasure' from which speech originates.
Isaiah 32:6This verse states explicitly that 'the vile person will speak villainy,' which is a powerful Old Testament echo of Luke 6:45's principle that 'the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil,' directly linking speech to inner corruption.
calvinLuke 6:43-45: "For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit."
- But beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. 16. From their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17. So every good tree yields good fruits, and a rotten tree yields bad fruits. 18. A good tree cannot yield evil fruits, nor can a rotten tree yield good fruits. 19. Every tre…
jfbLuke 6:12-49: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God."
Lu 6:12-49. The Twelve Apostles Chosen—Gathering Multitudes—Glorious Healing.12, 13. went out—probably from Capernaum.all night in prayer … and when … day, he called, &c.—The work with which the next day began shows what had been the burden of this night's devotions. As He directed His disciples to pray for "laborers" just before sending themselves forth (see on…
Jesus isn't just saying words reflect what's inside; he's highlighting that the quantity spilling out demonstrates the quality within. The phrase "abundance of the heart" points to how what we constantly dwell on, the overflow of our inner world, inevitably finds its way to our lips. This reveals that our speech isn't a casual reflection, but a powerful indicator of the deepest currents of our being.
Jesus has just warned against hypocrisy and self-righteous judgment, explaining that the way we judge others will be the way we are judged. He then uses the metaphor of a tree and its fruit to show that true goodness or badness comes from an inner source, directly linking a person's character to the words they speak. This leads into the conclusion that what we say reveals the true state of our heart, whether good or evil.
Jesus has just warned against hypocrisy and self-righteous judgment, explaining that the way we judge others will be the way we are judged. He then uses the metaphor of a tree and its fruit to show that true goodness or badness comes from an inner source, directly linking a person's character to the words they speak. This leads into the conclusion that what we say reveals the true state of our heart, whether good or evil.
"The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." — Jesus isn't just saying words reflect what's inside; he's highlighting that the quantity spilling out demonstrates the quality within. The phrase "abundance of the heart" points to how what we co…
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Last reviewed October 2026