A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
A good man, out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth х ekballei (G1544), 'or putteth'] forth good things: and an evil man, out of the evil treasure, bringeth [or 'putteth'] forth evil things. The word 'putteth' indicates the spontaneousness of what comes from the heart; because it is out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaketh. We have here a new application of a former saying (see the notes at Matthew 7:16-20). Here, the sentiment is, 'There are but two kingdoms, interests, parties-with the proper workings of each: If I promote the one, I cannot belong to the other; but they that set themselves in willful opposition to the kingdom of light openly proclaim to what other kingdom they belong. As for you, in what ye have now uttered ye have but revealed the venomous malignity of your hearts.'