The reasons to purchase the trees sounded good: fast growth, good shade, and relatively inexpensive, and they all proved to be true. However, what wasn’t discussed was the fruit they produced. Over the years those fast-growing trees yielded VAST amounts of sweet gum balls, walnut-sized seeds covered with prickly spikes. Once fallen and dried on the ground, pity the poor barefoot person, or child who slipped and fell on them. 

Most people don’t make bad decisions on purpose. They have good reasons for their choices. However, considering the resulting fruit of a decision is so wise. Many parents wanting happy, quiet children (“good reasons”) then reap horrible fruit in the coming years. Then, the children are addicted to being entertained with movies, video games, bad friends or evil books (such as Henry P). Dads and moms tired after a full day, might want to watch a movie, or just relax instead of time with the children and family Bible time.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matthew 7:15-20).

Poor decisions are not going to produce good fruit in lives (unless maybe to learn never to do that again). Oh, my Brothers, always consider the longterm fruit of each decision, will it edify and draw one closer to the Lord or the world?