¹⁴ Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,^(A) in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

¹⁰ so that you may live a life worthy^(A) of the Lord and please him^(B) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,^(C)

⁸ This is a trustworthy saying.^(A) And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.^(B) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

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

⁶ Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.^{(A) 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!^(B) 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 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive^(A) in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.^(B)

¹⁷ Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.^(A)

²⁸ Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work,^(A) doing something useful with their own hands,^(B) that they may have something to share with those in need.^(C)

¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you^(A) so that you might go and bear fruit^(B)—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.^(C)

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