Definition: Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread? and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Isaiah 55:2. It's a really beautiful and encouraging message about God and how to live a fulfilling life. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: What it means on a surface level: This verse is essentially saying: “Don’t waste your time and energy on things that don't bring you real happiness or fulfillment.” It’s urging us to focus on things that truly nourish our souls. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Wherefore do ye spend money for [that which is] not bread?" – This means "Why are you wasting your time and resources on things that aren't really valuable or bringing you joy?" Think about it like this: You’re spending money on things that don’t offer lasting satisfaction. "...and your labour for [that which] satisfieth not?" - This is a bit more figurative. It means "Are you working hard and putting in effort, but getting the same result or feeling satisfied?" It suggests that our efforts might be going towards things that aren’t yielding real rewards. "Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye [that which is] good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness." – This is the core of the message. It's a call to action: “Hearken diligently unto me”: Listen carefully to God’s words. "Eat ye [that which is] good”: Focus on things that are beneficial, pleasing, and spiritually uplifting – like faith, love, kindness, forgiveness, and a relationship with God. “Let your soul delight itself in fatness”: This means to live a joyful, satisfied, and prosperous life. It’s about experiencing deep contentment and happiness within yourself, not just from material possessions. In essence, the verse is urging us to prioritize spiritual fulfillment over purely materialistic pursuits. It's a reminder that true wealth isn't found in money, but in a relationship with God and living a life of purpose and joy. What does it mean for us ? It means we should: Be mindful of our spending: Don’t waste time or money on things that don’t bring us lasting happiness. Seek spiritual growth: Focus on activities and relationships that nourish our souls – prayer, reading the Bible, connecting with others who share our faith, etc. Live a life of purpose: Find ways to contribute positively to the world and make a difference in someone's life. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of things that are considered “good” or “fattening”? Talk about how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?