And that which fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go on, and are choked with concerns and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
He also who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word; and the concerns of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.
No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and the riches of this world.
And be careful of yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be weighed down with gluttony, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.
Those on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
Instruct those who are rich in this world, that they be not proud, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy;
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,