934. That "fruits" signify the goods which man does from love or charity, is known indeed without confirmation from the Word; for the reader understands nothing else by "fruits" in the Word. The reason why the goods of love or charity are meant by "fruits" is because man is compared to a tree, and is also called a tree (n. 89, 400). That "fruits" signify the goods of love or charity, which are called in common speech good works, may be evident from these passages:
The axe is laid unto the root of the tree; every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be hewn down, and cast into the fire (Matt. 3:10; 7:16-20). Either make the tree good and the fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and the fruit corrupt; the tree is known from the fruit (Matt. 12:33; Luke 6:43-44). Every branch that beareth not fruit shall be taken away, but everyone that beareth fruit shall be pruned, that it may bring forth more fruit; he that abideth in Me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit (John 15:2-8). Make fruits worthy of repentance (Matt. 3:8). That which was sowed in the good ground is he that heareth the Word, and attendeth, and beareth fruit (Matt. 13:23). Jesus said to the disciples, I have chosen you, that ye should bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain (John 15:16). A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He came seeking fruit on it, and found none; he saith to the vinedresser, Cut it down, why maketh it the earth unfruitful? (Luke 13:6-9) A man, a householder, let out his vineyard to husbandmen, to receive the fruits of it; but they killed the servants sent to them, and at length his son; he therefore will let out the vineyard to others, who will render him the fruits in their seasons. So the kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits of it (Matt. 21:33-35, 38-39, 41, 43), besides many other places.
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