12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not ^xbelieve and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing ^yfall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the ^zcares and ^ariches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and ^bbear fruit with patience.