Proverbs 20:11
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Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.
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Actions speak louder than words. Even young children, who have not learned hypocrisy, show their souls by deeds. Men commend themselves, pretend to be wise, profess to be believers, and take Christ's name in baptism; but a man's conduct proves his soul. Hypocrites are exposed, if you ignore their words and measure their actions by Scripture.
Wisdom includes the ability to perceive the character of others. Solomon knew his son must be a good judge of men to be a successful king. He had just written, "Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?" (20:6). Rather than reading resumes and listening to testimonies, wise men measure a man's conduct.
David knew the danger of hypocrites and pretenders. He begged God to eliminate them for the prosperity of his kingdom and people. He prayed, "Rid me, and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood" (Ps 144:11). He hated lying words and false handshakes and oaths.
Jesus taught to measure prophets by their fruits - the spiritual results of their ministries (Matt 7:15-20). Claims mean nothing; popularity means nothing; growth means nothing; and impressive assemblies mean nothing. The measure of a minister is spiritual fruit in the lives of his hearers (I Tim 4:13-16). Many ministries are bankrupt by this measure.
A good tree does not bear bad fruit. Men do not look for grapes on thorn bushes, and they do not look for figs on thistle plants (Matt 7:15-20). A fig tree does not bear olive berries, a grapevine does not produce figs, and a good fountain does not send bitter water (Jas 3:10-11). The heart of a man is shown by what comes out of his mouth and the rest of his life (Matt 12:34-37). This rule is a general axiom of life to judge true character.
When it comes to the gospel and eternal life, the rule applies as well. Professions of faith mean nothing in comparison to works of righteousness (Matt 7:21; II Pet 1:10-11). The devils believe there is one God and tremble about it, but it does them no good (Jas 2:19). Faith without works is worthless (Jas 2:14-26). John wrote, "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him" (I John 2:4).
Exceptional sins do not alter the rule, for they are exceptions, and the best of men will sin. David, Hezekiah, Josiah, and Peter, among others, sinned notably. But their overall character was much greater in proving honest and good hearts. David sinned heinously, but his general conduct was far superior to the constant profanity of Saul's life.
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