The Barren Fig Tree

⁶He spoke this parable. “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none. ⁷ He said to the vine dresser, ‘Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down. Why does it waste the soil?’ ⁸ He answered, ‘Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it, and fertilize it. ⁹ If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’”