# The Wheat and Tares explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This poem reflects on the parable of the wheat and tares, emphasizing the coexistence of true believers and hypocrites in the visible church. It warns that outward appearances are deceptive and that God's judgment will ultimately separate the righteous from the wicked, with the latter facing eternal punishment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Human Sinfulness and Depravity

The tares represent those who outwardly appear among the wheat but are inwardly corrupt, illustrating the presence of sin within the church.

### Divine Providence and Guidance

The tares are spared for various ends, and even against their will, they fulfill God's counsels, showing God's sovereign control over all.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

The one who will weed the crop and pluck the tares in anger.

### The Lord

The all-seeing judge who discerns every heart.

## Key lines

> Jesus ere long will weed the crop, And pluck the tares in anger up.

Jesus will soon separate the wicked from the righteous and cast the wicked into judgment.

_The poem paraphrases the parable's promise of final separation and judgment._

> To them the word of life and faith Became an instrument of death.

For the tares, the gospel message that brings life to believers becomes a means of condemnation.

_This reflects the biblical principle that the same word can be a savor of life or death (2 Corinthians 2:16)._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/86-the-wheat-and-tares
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters