⁷ You see, when rain falls frequently on the earth, and the land drinks it up and produces a crop useful to the people for whom it’s being cultivated, it shares in God’s blessing. ⁸ But if it produces thorns and thistles, it’s useless, and not far off from being cursed, and finally burned up.

Keep up the good work

⁹ Even though we speak in this way, my dear people, we are confident that there are better things to be said about you, things that point to salvation.