The answer is: Burnt

Matt 13:30

In the parable of the tares, found in Matthew 13:24-30, we see a masterfully crafted story that stitches together deeper spiritual truths about life, judgment, and the nature of good and evil. The tares, referring to harmful weeds, remind us of the complexities within our world where both good and bad coexist until the right moment of harvest. The fate of the tares—being burnt—offers a stark depiction of what separates the righteous from the unrighteous, commonly associated with wrath or judgment.

Interestingly, this imagery draws from both Old Testament wisdom and farming practices of the time. In agrarian society, tares could be particularly troublesome, infiltrating crops and sapping resources, much like sin or negative influences infiltrate lives.

Imagine walking through a field with wheat, golden and towering—such a serene image—only to discover the invasive tares amid the rows. This brings a relatable visual of discernment. In wider biblical themes, we can see echoes of divine separation: think of the separation between the Jewish exile and Babylonian threats, or Jesus himself reinforcing the distinctions between followers and those who sought to harm his message.

A fun side note: this parable reflects a common ancient practice in many cultures related to harvest, and the need for patience until the right harvest time speaks not only to the agricultural society but to divine timing on a spiritual level as well. Ultimately, it showcases growth alongside grace while embedding a call to awareness in our own lives—examining what crops we nurture and what weeds we allow to grow.