Definition: Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Luke 8:12. It’s a really important passage about faith and temptation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that people who are not truly seeking or believing God through their hearts, will miss out on the good things of salvation. It's like a seed that isn’t watered – it won't grow into something beautiful. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Those by the way side are they that hear?" - This refers to people who are simply listening to God, but not really understanding or believing Him. They might be reading about faith in a book or listening to someone else’s words, but they aren't truly opening their hearts and minds to the message of Jesus Christ. “Then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts…” - The Devil (often seen as representing temptation) is trying to steal or remove the Word of God – that’s the Bible! He's trying to keep people from understanding and accepting Jesus. “…lest they should believe and be saved.” - This is the crucial part. "Believe" means to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and “saved” means being freed from sin and eternal punishment through God’s grace. The Devil's goal is to prevent people from actually believing in Jesus, so they don’t receive that blessing. In a nutshell: The verse warns us that if we aren’t actively seeking God and truly understanding His message, we’ll be vulnerable to temptation and will miss out on the chance to have a relationship with God and receive eternal life. Why is this important? This verse speaks to our own lives – it reminds us to: Be open to God: Don't just listen passively; truly listen for His voice. Pray: Pray regularly! It’s a way to connect with God and seek His guidance. Read the Bible: Spending time reading Scripture helps you understand God’s message and grow in faith. Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Give an analogy (like a plant that doesn't get enough water)? Discuss the concept of 'faith' in more detail?