In the scripture referenced above Christ tells his disciples a parable and also gives its meaning.  In this parable   Jesus uses a “sower” (farmer) who plants seeds with the expectation of reaping a harvest, to explain some of the dynamics of the kingdom of heaven.  Among other observations, it is significant to notice that Christ is stating that when the Word of God is sown upon the hearts of men it has the capacity to produce fruit. The fruit is the result of God’s kingdom being established in the hearts of men.  It is further explained in this parable that there are three reasons that a person’s life does not produce fruit.  These three reasons therefore can be viewed as obstacles that every individual must overcome to “know” God through Christ.  The “bearing of fruit” from this perspective can be seen as spiritual growth that benefits the ground (individual} in which the seed has been sown. The ground that does not bear fruit fails to realize any of the potential that God has for that individual and he lives a life of meaningless from God’s point of view.  Therefore, it is to be understood that any person’s life can only be successful if it is being directed by the Word of God.  It must be noted that this parable explains that there is an enemy that purposely attempts to hinder spiritual growth in every individual by attacking the Word which they have heard.