¹⁴ And let our people learn ^(A)to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not ^(B)be unfruitful.

¹⁰ so as ^(A)to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, ^(B)fully pleasing to him: ^(C)bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

⁸ The saying is ^(A)trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful ^(B)to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

¹¹ filled ^(A)with the fruit of righteousness that comes ^(B)through Jesus Christ, ^(C)to the glory and praise of God.

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

⁶ And he told this parable: “A man had ^(A)a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. ⁷ And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. ^(B)Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ ⁸ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. ⁹ Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”

⁸ For if these qualities^[a] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or ^(A)unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

^17 (A)Not that I seek the gift, but I seek ^(B)the fruit that increases to your credit.^[a]

²⁸ Let the thief no longer steal, but rather ^(A)let him labor, ^(B)doing honest work with his own hands, so ^(C)that he may have something to share with anyone in need.

¹⁶ You did not choose me, but ^(A)I chose you and appointed you that you should go and ^(B)bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that ^(C)whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.