{In an honest and good heart} (en kardi(8369) kal(8869) kai
agath(8869)). Peculiar to Luke. In verse  8  the land (g(886e)) is
called agath(886e) (really good, generous) and in verse  15  we
have en t(8869) kal(8869) g(8869) ({in the beautiful or noble land}). So
Luke uses both adjectives of the heart. The Greeks used kalos k'
agathos of the high-minded gentleman. It is probable that Luke
knew this idiom. It occurs here alone in the N.T. It is not easy
to translate. We have such phrases as "good and true," "sound and
good," "right and good," no one of which quite suits the Greek.
Certainly Luke adds new moral qualities not in the Hellenic
phrase. The English word "honest" here is like the Latin
_honestus_ (fair, noble). The words are to be connected with
"hold fast" (katechousin), "hold it down" so that the devil
does not snatch it away, having depth of soil so that it does not
shrivel up under the sun, and is not choked by weeds and thorns.
It bears fruit (karpophorousin, an old expressive verb,
karpos and phore(935c)). That is the proof of spiritual life. {In
patience} (en hupomon(8869)). There is no other way for real fruit
to come. Mushrooms spring up overnight, but they are usually
poisonous. The best fruits require time, cultivation, patience.