The King James Version of Matthew 7:20 reads, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." This verse comes towards the end of the Sermon on the Mount, in which Jesus delivers some of His most well-known teachings. In this particular section, Jesus is warning His followers to be wary of false prophets, who may appear to be genuine but are actually deceptive and do not bear the "fruits" of righteousness.

The use of the term "fruits" in this verse is symbolic, representing the outward evidence of a person's inner character and actions. In the context of this verse, "fruits" refers to the results of a person's life, including their behaviors, attitudes, and the impact they have on others. By examining these "fruits," Jesus instructs His followers to discern whether a person is truly following God or is merely putting on a façade.

One of the key themes of this verse is discernment. Jesus is urging His followers to be wise and discerning when it comes to evaluating the authenticity of those who claim to be speaking on behalf of God. This theme of discernment is reiterated in other parts of the New Testament, such as 1 John 4:1, which says, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God." In a world where deceptive teachings and false prophets abound, the call for discernment is as relevant today as it was when Jesus first spoke these words.

Another important theme in this verse is the concept of accountability. Jesus is teaching His followers that they will be able to hold others accountable for their actions by examining the "fruits" they produce. By doing so, His followers can avoid being led astray by false teachers and instead, can align themselves with those who are truly following God.

The context of this verse is also noteworthy. It comes immediately after Jesus warns His followers about false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15). The contrast between outward appearance and inner reality is a key focus of this passage. Jesus is cautioning His followers not to be deceived by appearances, but to look deeper at a person's character and the impact of their words and actions.

Furthermore, in the larger context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is teaching His followers about the nature of true righteousness and the Kingdom of God. Throughout this sermon, He emphasizes the importance of genuine faith and righteous living, as opposed to outward displays of religious piety or hypocrisy. The call to discern the "fruits" of others ties into this broader theme of true righteousness and authenticity in following God.

In terms of symbolism, the imagery of "fruits" is rich with meaning. In the agricultural society of Jesus' time, the concept of fruit was a common metaphor for the results of one's labor and the quality of their character. In the New Testament, the concept of bearing good fruit is used to represent living a life that is marked by righteousness, love, and obedience to God. On the contrary, bearing bad fruit represents a life characterized by sin, selfishness, and rebellion against God.

In conclusion, Matthew 7:20 from the King James Version serves as a powerful reminder for Christians to exercise discernment and hold others accountable for their actions. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating a person's character and the impact of their life, rather than being swayed by outward appearances or persuasive words. This verse is a timeless call to seek and uphold true righteousness and to be wary of false prophets who seek to deceive. The theme of discernment, the context of Jesus' larger teachings, and the symbolism of "fruits" all contribute to the depth and relevance of this verse, making it a crucial guide for Christians in navigating the complexities of faith and discernment in the world today.