Definition: [Is it] good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Job 10:3. It’s a really important one about responsibility and consequences. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is asking a question: “Is it good to deliberately harm yourself or others through selfishness and refusing to use your talents?” Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Is it good..." – This isn’t about some inherent goodness of being oppressed or despised. It’s about the result of those actions. "...that you should oppress..." – This means to deliberately and unfairly treat someone or something badly. To make them suffer, to be unkind, or to do things that are harmful. It's about causing pain. "...that you should despise the work of thine hands?" – This is a very powerful part. It means to reject your own abilities, talents, and gifts. You’re refusing to use them for good. Think of it like throwing away a beautiful piece of art because you don't want to use it. "...and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?" – This is the crucial part. It suggests that when you actively reject your own abilities, you’re not allowing yourself to be wise or helpful. The "wicked" here refers to people who are dishonest, selfish, and don't offer good advice. Shining upon their counsel means offering wise guidance and understanding – something that could help them avoid making mistakes. Overall Meaning: The verse is essentially saying that focusing on harming others and rejecting your own gifts will ultimately lead to unhappiness and suffering for you . It highlights the importance of using your talents and abilities for good, rather than trying to hurt or reject yourself. Why is this a message from the Bible? This verse appears in Job’s response to a trial – he's experiencing immense hardship and questioning God’s plan. It's a call to reflect on our own choices and actions. It speaks to the idea that our happiness isn't just about external things, but also about using our gifts and talents to do good. In short: The verse warns against self-destructive behavior – it highlights that focusing on harming others will ultimately harm you. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to real life?