Proverbs and English sayings

A bad tree does not yield good apples

It is said to be a Danish proverb. The apple was one of the first fruits mentioned in the Holy Bible. It was the fruit associated with the original sin.

This proverb is often used when referring to someone’s soul and actions. Jesus says that “no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit; for each tree is known by its own fruit” (Luke 6:43).

Similar English and Irish sayings:

• The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree
• There is no tree but bears some fruit There is no tree but bears some fruit
• Not every apple that is fair at eye, is good Not every apple that is fair at eye, is good