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.

¹⁰ The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.^(A)

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.^{(A) 11} No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace^(B) for those who have been trained by it.

¹³ He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted^(A) will be pulled up by the roots.

⁷ So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down!^(A) Why should it use up the soil?’

⁸ “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. ⁹ If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

⁸ This is to my Father’s glory,^(A) that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.^(B)

¹² Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.^(A)

⁷ Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. ⁸ But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed.^(A) In the end it will be burned.

²³ May God himself, the God of peace,^(A) sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul^(B) and body be kept blameless^(C) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(D) 24} The one who calls^(E) you is faithful,^(F) and he will do it.^(G)