18 “Therefore
hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone
hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the
wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This
is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But
he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word
and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he
has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation
or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is
he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness
of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23
But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word
and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold,
some sixty, some thirty.”