Question

can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. The World English Bible translates the passage as: 17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.

Answer 1

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom (Study)—2021 states that Jesus exposed false religious teachings and beliefs and didn’t say all religious beliefs were acceptable to God. Instead in Matthew 7:13,14 states that “many who would be on the spacious road that leads to destruction whereas only a few would be on the cramped road to life.” Jesus was clear. Some would appear to serve God, but the reality was that they were not serving him, their heart would be divided and they would serve him the wrong way, or lead a double life. Jesus warned: “Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them.”​—Matt. 7:15-20.

Bible prophecy said the Messiah would be consumed by zeal for God‘s house. (Ps. 69:9) Like the article mentions “That zeal moved Jesus to expose false religious beliefs and practices. For instance, the Pharisees believed that the soul is immortal; Jesus taught that the dead are sleeping. (John 11:11) The Sadducees denied the resurrection; Jesus resurrected his friend Lazarus.”

Also, as for your question can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit? The answer is no. Let‘s put an example if a tree has parasites and bares fruit, will the fruit be good? No, of course not because the parasites have ruined the inside and outside of the tree, the functions within the tree that focuses on producing good fruit. So, the fruit will come out with defects, perhaps sickly even. This of course in the literal sense, but if we’re to apply this to people the principal would apply the same. Can you change a psychopath? Can you impose emotions on a psychopath? No. The same, can you change a person who deliberately becomes evil and enjoys their dark ways? No.

Let’s put the example of Satan the Devil. The Devil used to be a good angel. In fact, the Bible explains he is a very handsome being. His deeds in heaven used to be like that of a tree producing good fruit. But, what happened? His own heart grew greedy, he was stubborn and wanted God’s celestial position. So, he tricked Eve and lured her into eating the fruit. Here, Satan became a corrupt tree that produced evil fruit. He was no longer a good angel but instead a wicked being who desired power and glory for himself. From this corrupt angel, can there be any good within him? Does he regret what he’s done? No. The Bible states Satan is the ruler of the Earth and that he causes the problems we have on Earth such as suffering, wars and death.