6. He 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.'"