Definition: Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish [it], all that behold [it] begin to mock him,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 14:29. It's a really important one about responsibility and how we handle our work – or even our lives! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Someone is putting a lot of effort into building something, like a foundation for a house or a project. But they can't finish it. And as a result, people start criticizing and making fun of this person because they see the unfinished work. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Lest haply…” – This is a Latin phrase meaning “lest” or “if only it might.” It's a warning! It’s suggesting that there’s a possibility of something bad happening. “…after he hath laid the foundation…” - The person is already starting to work on something important. They've already put in the groundwork – they’ve made an initial commitment. “…and is not able to finish [it]” - This means they still haven't completed it. They’re still working, but there's a problem – they can't finish it completely. It's like a half-built wall. “All that behold [it] begin to mock him.” - This is the key part. People who are watching this person work start to criticize and make fun of their efforts. They’re observing what they’ve put in, and their amusement grows as they see it not finished. So, what's the point? Jesus is saying that if we don’t finish our tasks, and we let others mock us for it, it can be a really bad thing. It shows that focusing on things that aren’t fully completed can lead to negativity and unhappiness. It’s about taking pride in your work and not letting others diminish it. In essence, the verse is a reminder to: Be diligent: Don't give up too soon! Don’t let criticism stop you: Keep working towards your goals. Focus on completing tasks: It’s better to finish things well than to rush and make mistakes. Does that explanation make sense? Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse, like its context in the larger story of Jesus' teachings?