Fruit

John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees in the crowds that were coming out to him. He said to them all, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Well then, if you are serious, produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don't think you can tell each other, 'We're safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.' Because I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already placed at the root of the trees. And every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire."

The crowds asked John, "What should we do then?"

John replied, "Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same."

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. "Teacher," they asked, "what should we do?" 

He told them, "Don't collect more than you are required to." 

Then some soldiers asked him, "And what should we do?" John replied, "Don't take money from people by force or by false accusation. Be content with your pay."  

(See Matthew 3:7-11; Luke 3:7-12)

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