They hear the word and do not turn a deaf ear to it. They even receive it with gladness. There are many people that are glad to hear a good sermon, but they do not profit by it. They are pleased with the word of God, but they are not changed by it. When trying times come there is no foundation or root for them to hold on to.
Trials have a way of shaking some people and confirming others.
The thorny ground. This seed goes further, it takes root. However the good that they gain by the word is overcome by the weeds and thorns of the world. So while above, the stones spoiled the root, now the thorns spoil the fruit. The thorns represent the cares and riches of the world.