Counting the cost
The Barren Fig Tree
Also called One More Year
An owner wants to cut down a tree that has not fruited in three years. The gardener asks for one more year.
What it turns on
The parable ends without telling you whether the tree fruited. The year is still running.
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.
7He 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?’
8He answered, ‘Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.
9If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’ ”
World English Bible, public domain. Read the whole chapter →
More on counting the cost
The Wise and Foolish BuildersTwo houses, one on rock and one on sand. The same storm hits both.Counting the CostA man builds a tower without pricing it out. A king marches to war outnumbered.New Wine in Old WineskinsYou do not patch old cloth with new, or pour new wine into brittle old skins.The Unworthy ServantsA servant who has done his work does not expect to be thanked for doing his work.