Definition: Thy wickedness [may hurt] a man as thou [art]; and thy righteousness [may profit] the son of man.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible verse – Job 35:8 – in plain language. It’s a really powerful and thought-provoking statement about human actions and their consequences. Here's what it means, broken down piece by piece: 1. "Thy wickedness [may hurt] a man as thou [art]" “Thy” - This refers to you . “wickedness” – This is a general term for actions that are morally wrong or harmful. It doesn't mean you’re completely evil; it just means your actions aren’t right or kind. It could be anything from being dishonest, selfish, or causing someone else pain. “[art]” - This is key. “Art” means to do something – to act in a certain way. So, this part says that your actions, especially those driven by selfishness and negativity, can cause harm to another person. In short: If you are acting with selfish or harmful intentions, your actions will inevitably hurt someone else. 2. "And thy righteousness [may profit] the son of man." “Thy” - Again, referring back to you . “righteousness” – This is a good word here; it means doing what's morally right and just. It’s about living in accordance with God’s standards. “[may profit]” - This is the really surprising part. “Profit” means to gain something . In this context, it means your righteousness can be beneficial to someone else – even if you don't realize it at the time. In short: Your good intentions and moral behavior (righteousness) can lead to positive outcomes for others, even if you don’t see it directly. It suggests that doing what’s right often has a ripple effect of good. Overall Meaning & Interpretation The verse is suggesting that true goodness – acting with kindness, compassion, and justice – ultimately leads to more good in the world. It's not just about doing good; it’s about being good, and that kind of goodness has a natural consequence that benefits others. Important Note: It's important to understand this verse within the context of Job’s whole story. The verse is often interpreted as highlighting the importance of humility and recognizing our own fallibility. We all make mistakes, and it’s easy to get caught up in our own desires and actions. But Verse 36 encourages us to remember that we are not perfect and that God has a plan for us, even if we don't always understand it. Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with examples? Discuss what the verse might mean in relation to our own lives?