16-17 “And some are like the seed that lands in the gravel. When they first hear the Word, they respond with great enthusiasm. But there is such shallow soil of character that when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.

18-19 “The seed cast in the weeds represents the ones who hear the kingdom news but are overwhelmed with worries about all the things they have to do and all the things they want to get. The stress strangles what they heard, and nothing comes of it.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends

The Message of Proverbs - eBook
The Message of Proverbs - eBook
Retail: $3.99
Our Price: $2.89
Save: $1.10 (28%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Devotional Bible, Hardcover
The Message Devotional Bible, Hardcover
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $23.99
Save: $6.00 (20%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition, Softcover
The Message: Catholic/Ecumenical Edition, Softcover
Retail: $29.95
Our Price: $2.99
Save: $26.96 (90%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black
The Message Compact Bible--soft leather-look, black
Retail: $29.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $20.00 (67%)
The Message Full Size--soft leather-look, life-light black
The Message Full Size--soft leather-look, life-light black
Retail: $59.99
Our Price: $47.99
Save: $12.00 (20%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars