Definition: Neither shall [men] tear [themselves] for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall [men] give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 16:7. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising message about how we should handle grief and sorrow. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that don’t try to make things better for people who are grieving or mourning. Don’t offer them comfort, consolation, or anything that could prolong their sadness. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Jeremiah 16:7” : This refers to a specific prophecy written by Jeremiah in the Old Testament. It's a warning about the future. “Neither shall [men] tear [themselves] for them…” : This means don’t get caught up in the drama or pain of their grief. Don't dwell on it, don't blame anyone, and don't let your own sadness overshadow theirs. It’s about not being consumed by the problem. “…in mourning, to comfort them for the dead…” : This is the key part. Jeremiah is warning that don’t offer comfort to the dead. He’s saying that offering comfort to those who are grieving is inappropriate and can be harmful. It's like offering a bandage to someone with a broken bone – it doesn't heal the problem. “…to comfort them for the dead.” : This means don't offer words of solace, sympathy, or any kind of emotional support to those who are grieving. It’s about respecting their loss and avoiding being burdensome to them. Why is this important? This verse speaks to a fundamental principle of compassion: we should be empathetic but not involved. It’s about recognizing the pain of others without trying to fix it or alleviate it with our own feelings. It's also a reminder that sometimes, letting someone grieve their loss is the most supportive thing you can do – allowing them to feel their sadness without adding to it. In short: Don't try to make things better for those who are grieving. Let them be allowed to mourn and process their grief in their own way. Do you want me to explain any of this further, perhaps by relating it to a specific situation or offering another biblical passage? For example, we could discuss how this verse applies to: Dealing with loss (death, divorce, etc.) The importance of being present for someone in need.