Definition: Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root: they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit: thou [art] near in their mouth, and far from their reins.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 12:2. It’s a really interesting and somewhat dramatic statement about the future of Israel. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that God has already planted these people – specifically, the Israelites – and they’ve become incredibly successful and prosperous. But, there’s a potential problem: they are becoming too focused on worldly success (fruit) and not enough on spiritual growth and righteousness (their “reins”). Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root:" This means God has already set these people in a good position. They’ve been given a foundation to succeed. It’s like planting a tree – it’s already started growing. “They grow, yea, they bring forth fruit:” This is the key part. These people are flourishing and becoming successful. They're producing bountiful harvests (fruit) - a good life, prosperity, and a strong community. "Thou [art] near in their mouth:" This is where it gets a little poetic. “Near” here means close to – they’re growing rapidly. “Far from their reins:” This is the warning! "Reins" refers to the spirit, conscience, or moral guidance of God. It's the part of them that guides them toward righteousness and right action. The verse says they are growing too far away from this guiding principle. In simpler terms: God has given these people a good start and is watching them flourish. However, if they become solely focused on material success (fruit) without also prioritizing their relationship with God and moral integrity (their reins), it could lead to problems down the road. It's about balance – too much focus on the wrong things can cause trouble. Overall Meaning: The verse is a warning against complacency and encourages God to continue to guide and protect His people, not just their material prosperity, but also their spiritual well-being. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context of the verse within the larger story of Jeremiah’s prophecy? Explain what "reins" might represent in a biblical sense?