Definition: That which he laboured for shall he restore, and shall not swallow [it] down: according to [his] substance [shall] the restitution [be], and he shall not rejoice [therein].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Job 20:18. It's a really profound and complex idea, but here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about God’s plan for someone who is working hard for something – like a goal, a purpose, or a reward. But the verse says that even if that effort succeeds, God will ultimately restore it back to its original state, and he won't be happy about it. It suggests a kind of perfect balance – a return to what was originally intended. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “That which he laboured for…” : This refers to the effort someone is putting into something – like building a house, planting a garden, or pursuing a career. It's about their dedication and work. “…shall he restore…” : This means that God will undo what he has given them, bringing it back to its original state. It’s not just about making things better; it's about returning something to where it came from. “…and shall not swallow [it] down” : This is a crucial part. “Swallow” means to completely consume or take away. So, God isn’t going to erase the effort, but rather undo it. It's like taking away something that was important. “…according to his substance [shall] the restitution [be], and he shall not rejoice [therein].” : This is where it gets really interesting. "His substance" refers to God’s being – his very essence, his power, or his character. The verse says that the restoration (the return) will be identical to what was originally intended. Importantly, he won't be happy . This doesn't mean he'll be disappointed; it means he won’t experience joy or contentment in the outcome. It signifies a sense of completion – a return to where things were before - but with a feeling that it wasn't perfect. In simpler terms: God is working for someone, and he will ultimately bring that effort back to its original state. It's a way of saying that even if the goal is achieved, there’s no joy in the final outcome – it’s a return to what was always meant to be. It highlights the idea of perfection and balance—God's plan always seeks a perfect result, even when it means returning something to its initial state. Why is this important? This verse often gets interpreted as a reminder that God's plans are complete and good, and that we shouldn’t expect us to be happy with outcomes that aren’t perfectly aligned with our expectations. It's about accepting his sovereignty and trusting in His plan even when things don’t go as planned. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Provide a more relatable analogy? Discuss the theological significance of this passage?