² He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes^[a] to make it bear more fruit.

¹⁰ Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.^(A)

¹⁰ For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share his holiness.^{(A) 11} Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.^(B)

¹³ He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted.^(A)

¹⁹ I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent.^(A)

⁸ My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become^[a] my disciples.^(A)

⁷ So he said to the man working the vineyard, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’^{(A) 8} He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. ⁹ If it bears fruit next year, well and good, but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”

²³ May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound^[a] and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(A) 24} The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.^(B)

¹² For to those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance, but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.^(A)

⁷ Ground that drinks up the rain falling on it repeatedly and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is cultivated receives a blessing from God.^{(A) 8} But if it produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and on the verge of being cursed; its end is to be burned over.^(B)