¹⁵ Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan^(A) comes and takes away the word that was sown in them.

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind.^(A) Your enemy the devil prowls around^(B) like a roaring lion^(C) looking for someone to devour.

¹⁹ When anyone hears the message about the kingdom^(A) and does not understand it, the evil one^(B) comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

³ And even if our gospel^(A) is veiled,^(B) it is veiled to those who are perishing.^{(C) 4} The god^(D) of this age^(E) has blinded^(F) the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ,^(G) who is the image of God.^(H)

¹¹ in order that Satan^(A) might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.^(B)

¹² Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

⁴ As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.

³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan^(A) has so filled your heart^(B) that you have lied to the Holy Spirit^(C) and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?^(D)

¹⁸ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

¹⁹ “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

⁵ “But they paid no attention and went off—one to his field, another to his business.