16. Ye shall know them by their fruits—not their doctrines—as many of the elder interpreters and some later ones explain it—for that corresponds to the tree itself; but the practical effect of their teaching, which is the proper fruit of the tree.
Do men gather grapes of thorns—any kind of prickly plant.
or figs of thistles?—a three-pronged variety. The general sense is obvious—Every tree bears its own fruit.