The "honest and good heart" of which the parable speaks, is not a heart without sin; for the gospel is to be preached to the lost. Christ said, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Mark 2:17. He has an honest heart who yields to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. He confesses his guilt, and feels his need of the mercy and love of God. He has a sincere desire to know the truth, that he may obey it. The good heart is a believing 59 heart, one that has faith in the word of God. Without faith it is impossible to receive the word. "He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Heb. 11:6.

Det smukke og gode hjerte, som lignelsen taler om, er ikke et hjerte, der er uden synd, for evangeliet skal forkyndes for de fortabte. Kristus sagde: "Jeg er ikke kommen for at kalde retfærdige, men syndere." Den, der giver efter for Helligåndens overbevisning, har et smukt hjerte. Han bekender sin synd og føler at han behøver Guds nåde og kærlighed. Han ønsker oprigtigt at kende sandheden, for at han kan adlyde den. Det gode hjerte er et hjerte, der tror, et hjerte, der har tillid til Guds ord. Uden tro er det umuligt at tage imod ordet. Thi den, som kommer til Gud, må tro, at han er til og lønner dem, der søger ham."