Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 12:35. It's a really important idea about our choices and how we impact ourselves and others. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that people are capable of making different kinds of choices – some good, some bad. It highlights the difference between spiritually good and sinfully bad actions. Let's break it down into parts: “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart…” - This refers to someone who is kind, compassionate, generous, and motivated by a desire to do what’s right. "Good treasure of the heart" means their heart is filled with goodness – love, compassion, forgiveness, etc. "...bringeth forth good things..." - This suggests that this person consistently produces positive results, acts with kindness, and helps others. They are a source of joy and benefit to themselves and those around them. "...an evil man out of the evil treasure of the heart…” – This is where it gets interesting. This describes someone who is driven by anger, selfishness, greed, or malice. “Evil treasure” represents a heart filled with negativity and destructive impulses. "...bringeth forth evil things." - This means that this person consistently causes harm, suffering, and unhappiness – they are a source of pain and trouble. They’re often selfish, hurtful, and don't consider the impact their actions have on others. In essence, the verse is saying that our choices determine how we live. We can choose to cultivate good within ourselves (our heart), which leads to positive outcomes, while choosing to embrace evil (our thoughts and actions) leads to negative consequences. What it means for us: We have a choice: We are constantly making decisions that shape our lives. Our choices matter: Our attitudes and behaviors have a significant impact on ourselves and others. It’s about the source of our actions: It's not just what we do, but why we do it – our intentions and motivations are crucial. Important Note: This verse isn't saying that everyone is inherently evil. It's a reminder that we all have the potential to choose good or bad. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give some examples of how these "good and evil treasures" might manifest in our lives?