⁷ When the soil drinks in the rain that repeatedly falls on it and produces a crop that is useful to those for whom it was cultivated, it receives a blessing from God. ⁸ However, if it brings forth thorns and thistles, it is worthless, and a curse hangs over it. It will end by being burned.

⁹ But, beloved, in spite of what we have just said, we are convinced that your status is far superior as you proceed to salvation.