With allusion to matthew xii. 33 (AV) The tree is known by his fruit.
Judge the tre by his frute, and not by his leves.
[1528 W. Tyndale Obedience of Christian Man 88V]
If then the tree may be known by the fruit‥there is virtue in that Falstaff.
[1597-8 Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 ii. iv. 414]
A tree is known by the fruit, and not by the leaves.
[1670 J. Ray English Proverbs 11]
Lutherans said the tree is known by its fruit. Teach a pure faith, and abuses will disappear.
[1896 J. A. Froude Council of Trent iv.]
The mental life‥[is] rooted in spite and envy. ‥Ye shall know the tree by its fruit.
[1928 D. H. Lawrence Lady Chatterley's Lover iv.]
‘I never judge a man by his mask.’ ‘A tree should be judged by its fruits,’ Myna responded.
[1955 S. N. Ghose Flame of Forest i. 15]
Related to: appearance; human nature
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs. Copyright © 1982, 1992, 1998, 2003, 2004 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
