The seed sown by the wayside represents the word of God as it falls upon the heart of an inattentive hearer. Like the hard-beaten path, trodden down by the feet of men and beasts, is the heart that becomes a highway for the world's traffic, its pleasures and sins. Absorbed in selfish aims and sinful indulgences, the soul is "hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Heb. 3:13. The spiritual faculties are paralyzed. Men hear the word, but understand it not. They do not discern that it applies to themselves. They do not realize their need or their danger. They do not perceive the love of Christ, and they pass by the message of His grace as something that does not concern them. {COL 44.2}

"The seed sown by the wayside represents the word of God as it falls upon the heart of an inattentive hearer. Like the hard-beaten path, trodden down by the feet of men and beasts, is the heart that becomes a highway for the world's traffic, its pleasures and sins. 1. Absorbed in selfish aims and sinful indulgences, 2. the soul is "hardened through the deceitfulness of sin." Heb. 3:13. 3. The spiritual faculties are paralyzed. 4. Men hear the word, but understand it not. 5. They do not discern that it applies to themselves. 6. They do not realize their need or their danger. 7. They do not perceive the love of Christ, and they pass by the message of His grace as something that does not concern them. {COL 44.2}"