Having a good and noble heart is a wonderful trait. The heart alone, however, will not do us any good. In addition to the heart we must be able to listen to the small, quiet voice of God. When we read or listen to God's wonderful words in scripture, we must let the Living Water of the words of God be absorbed into our heart and soul like the soil absorbs the rain. After our souls or innermost being has absorbed the Living Water of the words then we must retain the meaning, purpose, truth, and power of the words within us.
Good soil retains the moisture of the rain.
Poor soil does not retain the moisture. After we have absorbed the Living Water we must persevere and do the hard work of life by standing against Satan and his attacks, we must resist temptation, and keep going even when the storms of life try to push down or destroy us. It is when we do all these that we can produce an abundant harvest for our Lord.