²¹ yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when ^(A)tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately ^(B)he stumbles. ²² Now ^(C)he who received seed ^(D)among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

Do Not Love the World

^15 (A)Do not love the world or the things in the world. ^(B)If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, ^(C)the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. ¹⁷ And ^(D)the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.