Definition: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse. It’s a really important one about humility and our expectations when it comes to God's favor. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is talking about how we should always be ready and prepared, even when we think we’re not. It’s urging us to be humble and not boast unnecessarily. Let’s look at each part: "2 Corinthians 9:4" : This is the title of a specific passage in the Bible – it's from the book of 2 Corinthians. It’s a letter written by Paul to Timothy. “Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me” : This refers to a group of people called "Macedon." Think of them as a specific team or community. “Lest haply” means "if possibly" or "it might happen." So, it’s saying that if those Macedonians were to come and join me, then… “and find you unprepared” : This is the key part! If they came and joined me, but I wasn't ready, prepared, or ready to share what God has given me – that would be a shame. It’s like showing up empty-handed. “we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.” : This is where the core message comes out. "Confident boasting" means being proud or excited about what God has done for you – things like blessings, opportunities, or gifts. But it’s confident boasting, and that's what’s wrong here. The verse says we should be ashamed if we boast in a way that shows we aren’t ready to share these blessings. In short: Paul is telling us to be humble and not over-the-top with our praise and excitement because we need to always be prepared and ready for God's grace. It's about showing gratitude and recognizing that everything comes from Him, and we should share it humbly. Why is this important? This verse is a reminder that true faith isn’t about appearing strong or impressive. It’s about having a genuine heart of worship and being ready to receive God’s blessings. It's about recognizing that we are not the source of everything good, but a recipient of His grace. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some real-life examples of humility and boasting?