Jesus is speaking to his disciples first and foremost (Matthew 5:1) in the hearing of a crowd of Jewish people (Matthew 5:1; Matthew 7:28–29). He is not singling out Jewish people as if they are more evil than others; rather, he is speaking of humanity in general. All of humanity has a sinful nature.1 The heart of every person descended from Adam is deceitful above all things (Jeremiah 17:9; Psalm 51:5).2
11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!