¹⁷ I struck all the work of your hands^(A) with blight,^(B) mildew and hail,^(C) yet you did not return^(D) to me,’ declares the Lord.^(E)

² He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,^(A) while every branch that does bear fruit^(B) he prunes^[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. ³ You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.^{(C) 4} Remain in me, as I also remain in you.^(D) No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

⁵ And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,

⁷ Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.^(D) For what children are not disciplined by their father? ⁸ If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline^(E)—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. ⁹ Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits^(F) and live!^{(G) 10} They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.^{(H) 11} No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace^(I) for those who have been trained by it.

⁹ Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ^(A) does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.^(B)