Definition: Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 31:16. It's a really powerful and insightful message about dealing with difficult situations. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that when you’ve grown too wealthy or successful, you become careless and selfish, and your wealth can actually harm others and cause problems. It's like a little bit of darkness creeping into a bright place. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven…" : This is a metaphorical way of saying you’ve become incredibly wealthy – perhaps through business, investments, or possessions. “Merchants” represent people who are focused on gaining more and more wealth. “Above the stars of heaven” means they're so high up that they’ve gone beyond what’s truly important or right. “…the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away.” : This is the key part. A "cankerworm" is a nasty, destructive creature – imagine a worm that eats and spreads disease! “Spoileth” means to ruin or destroy something. “Flieth away” implies that this negativity and selfishness are pushing people away, causing trouble and unhappiness. So, what does it mean in practice? It’s telling us to be mindful of our priorities. When we become obsessed with accumulating wealth, we can lose sight of the things that truly matter – like relationships, kindness, and helping others. We can become greedy and careless, and that can have negative consequences for everyone around us. In essence, it's a warning about: Pride: Being too self-centered and focused on your own success. Greed: A desire for more, often at the expense of others. Neglect: Failing to care for those who are suffering or in need. It’s a call to balance. Proverbs 31 encourages us to be wise and prudent, not just focused on our own prosperity but also on being generous and compassionate. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse with a specific example? (e.g., how it might apply to business or relationships?) Discuss the overall message of Proverbs 31?