Definition: If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if [he ask] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse. It's a really thought-provoking one and it gets to the heart of how we should treat others. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about respect and valuing someone's worth. It’s saying that you shouldn't be greedy or take advantage of others, especially when it comes to something they desperately need. Let’s unpack the meaning piece by piece: “If a son shall ask bread of any of you…” : This refers to a young person – often a child or someone in a vulnerable position. They are asking for help and perhaps needing food. “…that is a father?” : The speaker is asking if the person giving the bread would really be willing to give it away, considering they’re asking for a gift from a parent. “Will he give him a stone?” : This is the crucial part. A "stone" represents something valuable – like money, possessions, or even friendship. It symbolizes being taken advantage of and having your needs ignored. “…or if [he asks] a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?” : This is where it gets really strange! A “serpent” represents something extremely valuable – perhaps their time, their trust, or their emotional well-being. It’s suggesting that someone might try to exploit you by asking for something very precious and then giving you less than they'd offer them themselves. The Overall Message: The verse is warning us against being greedy or manipulative. It suggests that we should always treat others with kindness, respect, and generosity. It’s a reminder that value shouldn’t be exchanged for something else. If someone asks for something important to you, you should never give it away without offering something of equal value in return – or at least, showing genuine consideration for their needs. Why is this a powerful parable? It's a classic illustration of the idea that true generosity isn’t about getting more; it’s about giving with a generous spirit and a willingness to share what you have. It encourages us to be mindful of how we treat others and not exploit them for our own benefit. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give an example of a situation where this principle applies?