³² Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs^(A) with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.^(B)

²⁰ because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man.^(A) When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled^[a]; yet he liked to listen to him.

³⁵ John was a lamp that burned and gave light,^(A) and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

¹⁶ Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. ¹⁷ But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.