16
In the same way those who receive the seed on the rocky places are those who, when they have heard the Message, at once accept it joyfully,
17
but they have no root within them. They last for a time; then, when suffering or persecution comes because of the Message, they are immediately overthrown.
18
Others there are who receive the seed among the thorns: these are they who have heard the Message,
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but worldly cares and the deceitfulness of wealth and the excessive pursuit of other objects come in and stifle the Message, and it becomes unfruitful.
20
Those, on the other hand, who have received the seed on the good ground, are all who hear the Message and welcome it, and yield a return of thirty, sixty, or a hundred fold."
21
He went on to say, "Is the lamp brought in in order to be put under the bushel or under the bed? Is it not rather in order that it may be placed on the lampstand?
22
Why, there is nothing hidden except with a view to its being ultimately disclosed, nor has anything been made a secret but that it may at last come to light.
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Listen, every one who has ears to listen with!"
24
He also said to them, "Take care what you hear. With what measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and that with interest.
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For those who have will have more given them; and from those who have not, even what they have will be taken away."
26
Another saying of His was this: "The Kingdom of God is as if a man scattered seed over the ground: