Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Matthew 7:15-17

Jesus told his disciples that they would know false prophets by their fruit because a good tree brings forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit.

God’s word does not leave us ignorant on the enemy’s devices nor about the workers of iniquity; you just have to know what to look for. In Proverbs 2, King Solomon gives us another clue on what to look for when trying to discern the spirit of the person with whom you are dealing. To be able to discern, however, we must first have an open heart to receive knowledge (from God’s Word) which will allow wisdom to enter our heart. This will give us the discretion and understanding we need to keep us from those who practice the following. Take heed:

Recognizing the evil man:

12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward (perverse; not willing to yield or comply with what is required; perverse; unyielding; ungovernable; disobedient; peevish) things; 13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; 14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked; 15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

Recognizing the evil man’s counterpart, the strange woman:

16 To deliver thee from the strange (an enemy; loathsome; prostitute; harlot) woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words; 17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God. 18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead. 19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

It’s very important that we first, pray for our future mate, and stay engaged in God’s word and our relationship with him. This will keep us alert and not ignorant to Satan’s desire to have us unite with one of his children instead of God’s desire for equal yoking between HIS children. We will not be ignorant in dating and will prayerfully be able to avoid being led astray by the evil man who may use money, muscles, and gifts, and the strange woman who entices with her pretty face (watch out for those filters guys 😉), sexy body, and sweet words.

Analogy: where you shop matters to a degree but what’s more important is how well you examine the produce you select. So, pay attention and closely examine the fruit being displayed and leave the rotten stuff for the ignorant (destitute of knowledge; untaught; unenlightened) fruit lover.