Ralph C. Wood, in "The Gospel According to Tolkien," emphasizes that our personalities are shaped by our actions. This idea suggests that the way we behave reflects our inner beliefs, indicating that both positive and negative traits stem from the core of our character. The relationship between actions and internal convictions is pivotal; good deeds arise from a virtuous heart while harmful actions emanate from a flawed one.
Wood supports this notion with a quote from Luke 6:45, which illustrates that the nature of a person's heart influences their speech and deeds. This reinforces the idea that our moral essence and the choices we make are deeply intertwined, highlighting that true goodness or evil is revealed through our actions.