¹⁷ So, ^(A)every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. ^19 (B)Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus you will recognize them ^(C)by their fruits.

Confirm Your Calling and Election

³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him ^(A)who called us to^[a] his own glory and excellence,^{[b] 4} by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become ^(B)partakers of the divine nature, ^(C)having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith ^(D)with virtue,^[c] and virtue ^(E)with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control ^(F)with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness ^(G)with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection ^(H)with love. ⁸ For if these qualities^[d] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or ^(I)unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.