Definition: Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down [shall be] in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and [that] which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 6:14. It's a really interesting and somewhat complex message about living a good life and dealing with challenges. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that while you need to struggle and persevere, don’t become obsessed with achieving everything and end up giving up easily. It’s a balance between effort and contentment. It’s about taking action while also being mindful of the potential for hardship. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied…” – This means you need to work hard, strive for goals, and take steps to improve your situation. You must keep moving forward, just like eating is necessary for survival. But, it’s crucial to understand that "satisfaction" isn't about reaching a point where you never want more. “and thy casting down [shall be] in the midst of thee…” – This refers to a difficult time, an obstacle, or a crisis. It suggests there will be challenges and setbacks along the way. “and [that] which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword.” – This is the key part. If you succeed in overcoming this challenge, you'll relinquish control . You won’t hold onto it, and you won’t fight it alone. Instead, you’ll trust a powerful force (the sword) to handle it. What does this mean practically? It’s essentially about: Resilience: Don’t give up easily; keep working towards your goals, even when things get tough. Prudence: Don't become overly focused on achieving a specific outcome to the point of losing sight of the bigger picture or the importance of perseverance. Humility: Recognizing that there will always be challenges – and accepting that sometimes you need to let go and trust in something greater than yourself. In essence, it’s a call for balance. It encourages us to work hard, but also to remain grounded, patient, and willing to accept that sometimes, the best outcome isn't about controlling everything, but about allowing things to unfold naturally. Think of it like this: You plant a seed (work hard). But you don’t obsess over nurturing it to a giant tree – you trust the weather and let it grow organically. Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this verse, such as its context within the larger biblical narrative or its philosophical implications?