4. He scattered the seed on the ground. Some fell on a path. Birds came and ate it up.
5. Some seed fell on rocky places, where there wasn't much soil. The plants came up quickly, because the soil wasn't deep.
6. When the sun came up, it burned the plants. They dried up because they had no roots.
7. Other seed fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and crowded out the plants.
8. Still other seed fell on good soil. It produced a crop 100, 60 or 30 times more than what was planted.
9. Those who have ears should listen."
10. The disciples came to him. They asked, "Why do you use stories when you speak to the people?"
11. He replied, "You have been given the chance to understand the secrets of the kingdom of heaven. It has not been given to outsiders.
12. Everyone who has that kind of knowledge will be given more. In fact, they will have very much. If anyone doesn't have that kind of knowledge, even what little he has will be taken away from him.