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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
Theophylact of Ohrid
He did not say "producing growth," as he said above concerning "vegetation," but "bringing forth," as if to say — expelling and casting out a certain excess. "Thorns and thistles" are the cares of life, the deceitfulness of riches, and in general every sin, as David also says: "I became a sufferer when a thorn was driven into me" (Ps. 31:4). A thorn does not simply enter but is driven in, and if we have not pulled it all out but a little of it remains, it causes great pain and requires treatment and care. …
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
300. – Then when he says, but that which brings forth thorns and briars is reprobate, he deals with bad earth and does two things: first, he mentions the evil fruit; secondly, the punishment (v. 8b). The fruit, therefore, are the thorns, i.e., minor sins, and the briars, i.e., graver sins, which prick one's own conscience and sometimes another's, namely, sins against one's neighbor: 'Thorns and thistles shall it bring forth to you' (Gen. 3:18). …
Translation