You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires,

but worldly cares, the seductiveness of wealth, and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, and it produces nothing.

and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved.

But exhort one another each day, as long as it is called “Today,” that none of you may become hardened by sin’s deception.

suffering harm as the wages for their harmful ways. By considering it a pleasure to carouse in broad daylight, they are stains and blemishes, indulging in their deceitful pleasures when they feast together with you.

The seed sown among thorns is the person who hears the word, but worldly cares and the seductiveness of wealth choke the word, so it produces nothing.

Be careful not to allow anyone to captivate you through an empty, deceitful philosophy that is according to human traditions and the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.