²² Now the one sown among the thorns – this is one who hears the word, but the worries of this age^(A) and the deceitfulness^[a] of wealth^(B) choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

Possessions and the Kingdom

²³ Jesus looked round and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it is for those who have wealth^(A) to enter the kingdom of God! ’^(B)

Boasting Only in the Lord

²⁶ Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective,^[a] not many powerful,^(A) not many of noble birth.

⁹ But those who want to be rich fall into temptation, a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and destruction.