[10]. Every corrupt tree that bears no good fruit is uprooted from the face of the earth and cast into the fire. Likewise, people are known by their words and their deeds — for every word spoken and every action performed is the fruit of the heart. Sinners sin because that is what fills their hearts. Thieves steal, the immoral transgress, and adulterers betray, because such deeds are the bitter fruits produced by a diseased and corrupted heart. A bad heart yields bad fruit — words that harm, actions that destroy. But a good heart bears good fruit — words of kindness, deeds of mercy, and acts of righteousness that bring light, healing, and peace. For as the heart is, so will be the life that springs from it.
Our speech and conduct are mirrors of the soul. When the heart is nourished by faith, purified through remembrance, and watered by repentance, it blossoms with goodness and beauty. But when it is left to arrogance, envy, or heedlessness, it withers — and its fruit becomes bitter.