Definition: Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that [it is] an evil [thing] and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear [is] not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Jeremiah 2:19. It’s a really serious warning, and it’s important to understand what it means. Here's a simplified explanation: The Core Message: This verse is essentially saying that you are facing consequences for your actions – both good and bad. The Lord God is intensely disappointed with you because you’ve strayed from following him. It’s not just about minor mistakes; it’s a deep betrayal of his trust. Let's break it down word by word: “Jeremiah 2:19” : This refers to a specific prophecy in the Old Testament – a vision of a terrible future for Judah (a nation in Israel). “Thine own wickedness shall correct thee…” : This means you are responsible for your own mistakes. It’s about personal wrongdoing and failing to live according to God's will. Think of it as recognizing that you've made choices that don’t align with what He wants for you. “Thy backslidings shall reprove thee…” : "Backslidings" means falling away from the right path, from doing what is good and righteous. This isn't just about small mistakes; it’s a pattern of behavior that shows disrespect or disobedience. “Know therefore and see that [it] an evil [thing] and bitter…” : This is where the warning comes in. It clearly states that you are doing something that is harmful – it's wrong, and it’s causing pain. The word “evil” emphasizes that this isn’t just a mistake; it’s actively damaging. “that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God…” : This is the most important part: you have abandoned your relationship with God. It means you've stopped listening to His guidance, obeying His commands, and trusting in Him. You’re turning away from the one who provides for you and protects you. “and that my fear [is] not in thee…” : This is a powerful statement of judgment. The Lord God isn’t just disappointed; He doesn't fear you – He has no reason to be afraid of your actions, because it’s a direct violation of His trust. In simpler terms: The verse is telling you that you need to repent (turn back) and confess your sins to the Lord. It’s saying that you are facing a serious consequence for your disobedience. The Lord isn't angry at you personally, but He will not tolerate your disrespect. What does it mean for me? This verse is a call to repentance – a turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness. It’s a reminder that you are accountable to God, and His judgment can be severe if you don't change your ways. It also emphasizes the importance of trusting in Him and aligning yourself with his will. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Give you some examples of things that might cause you to fall away from God? Talk about how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible (like the story of Jonah)?