Peter continues to talk to the believers.

## these things ##

That is, faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, brotherly affection, and love.

## you will not be barren or unfruitful  ##

"You will produce and be fruitful" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes]])

## whoever lacks these things ##

any person who does not have these things.

## sees only what is near; he is blind ##

This phrase compares a a person who thinks only about earthly matters that are right in front of him as one without sight. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])