Definition: That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge [asketh] for a reward; and the great [man], he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Micah 7:3. It's a really interesting and slightly unsettling passage about God’s perspective on humanity. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes God looking down on people and feeling deeply frustrated by their actions, especially when they’re doing things that are wicked or mischievous. It’s like he's observing someone deliberately trying to cause trouble. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “That they may do evil with both hands earnestly…” : This means God isn’t just concerned about some people doing bad things. He sees that people are willing to engage in wicked and harmful actions, almost as if they're actively choosing to be evil. “Earnestly” suggests a deep, passionate desire for wickedness. “…the prince asketh, and the judge asketh…” : This is where it gets interesting. The "prince" refers to God himself. He’s asking or observing these people – essentially, he's putting his observation into action. It’s a question directed at those who are causing trouble. “…for a reward…” : This is the key part. God isn't just judging them; he's anticipating a consequence – a reward for their wickedness. He anticipates that they will want something, and that desire might lead to further harm. “And the great [man], he uttereth his mischievous desire:” This is where we get to the unsettling part. “Great man” here refers to a powerful, perhaps even malevolent person – someone who wants to cause chaos or trouble. The verb "uttereth" (says) suggests this person isn’t just thinking about it; they're actively desiring to do bad things. “so they wrap it up.” : This is the final, dramatic image. It implies that God is preparing to intervene, to stop or punish these people. He's essentially saying, "I see your intentions, and I know you’re trying to cause trouble. I will take action." Overall Meaning & Significance: This verse highlights a sense of judgment and divine foreknowledge. It suggests: God sees everything: He is aware of the potential for wickedness and is watching over people with keen observation. Divine Justice: God isn’t just punishing; he’s anticipating a consequence, driven by his desire to protect humanity and maintain order. Warning & Preparation: It's a warning about the dangers of evil and a preparation for God's action. It’s important to note: This verse is often interpreted as a warning against pride and self-reliance, suggesting that focusing on personal desires can lead to downfall. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept? Give you some examples of what “mischievous desire” might mean?