Definition: Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 14:12. It's a really important part of understanding how Jesus teaches us to live a good life. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Core Message: Jesus is teaching us that true wealth and happiness come from focusing on serving others, not accumulating things. He’s telling us to be mindful of who we spend our time and resources with. Let's unpack it word by word: “Then said he also to him that bade him…” - This is a gentle reminder – Jesus is talking directly to someone who is leading or inviting others to join in something. “…that bade him” - He’s emphasizing the importance of being thoughtful and careful about the people we invite. “When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor [thy] rich neighbours…” – This is the key part. He's telling us not to invite people you know well . Let’s break it down further: “Thou” - This refers to someone who is being addressed – likely a host or leader. “…makest” - This means “you make” or “you are hosting.” “…friends, thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen…” - He's discouraging inviting people you’re close to – family, friends who are also part of your circle. He’s saying to keep it simple and not involve those who might be envious or competitive. “Nor thy rich neighbours…” - This includes people with money and wealth. “…lest they also bid thee again, and a recompense be made thee.” – “Lest” means "if" or "so that." This is a warning. If we invite people who are not truly interested in serving us, or who might be greedy, then they will encourage us to offer them something – a reward, a gift, or some benefit. The idea is that if we're not careful about the company we keep, we risk being taken advantage of. So, what does this mean practically? Jesus is saying: Don’t be selfish. Don't focus on impressing others with lavish parties or gifts. Instead, prioritize serving others, helping those in need, and focusing on spreading kindness and goodwill. True richness isn’t found in possessions, but in how you use your time and resources to benefit others. In essence, the verse is about prioritizing generosity and service over personal gain. It's a call for humility and a focus on what truly matters: making a positive impact on the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this principle applies to our lives?