Definition: When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 12:58. It’s a really important message about protecting yourself in difficult situations – specifically, when you’re facing someone who is trying to cause trouble or harm you. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is telling us to be vigilant and prepared for someone who is actively trying to bother or even hurt you. It’s urging us to take steps to stay safe from them. Let’s unpack it word by word: “When thou goest with thine adversary…” – This means "when you are with someone who is opposing you, a rival, or someone who is trying to cause problems.” “Adversary” means someone who is against you. “…to the magistrate…” - The magistrate is a kind of judge in a legal system. “as thou art [as thou are] in the way…” – This is the key part. It's saying that you need to be aware and prepared for this person’s actions. It means you need to be mindful of their intentions and how they might try to affect you. “…give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.” – This is a warning about potential consequences. It’s saying: “Deliver from him” : This means to protect yourself from this person's trouble or influence. “Hale thee to the judge…” : The “hail” means to bring you before a formal authority – like a court. This is suggesting they might try to force you into a legal situation. “…and the judge deliver thee to the officer…” - The judge (the magistrate) will take action, and then the officer (a guard or security person) will hand you over to someone else who will handle the situation. This is the worst-case scenario – being taken into custody by authorities. “…and the officer cast thee into prison.” - Finally, if they continue to bother you, the officer will put you in jail or a similar confinement. In simpler terms: Don’t let this person’s actions distract you or cause you problems. Be prepared for them and take steps to protect yourself from potential legal trouble. It's about being proactive and safeguarding your well-being. Why is this verse important? It’s a reminder that we are not always in control of every situation, and it’s good to be aware of potential threats. It emphasizes the importance of vigilance and taking steps to stay safe. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Talk about how this verse relates to other biblical teachings about protecting yourself?