Definition: But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Obadiah 1:12. It's a really powerful and sobering passage about perspective and judgment. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Message: This verse is telling us to not focus on the negative things that are happening around us – specifically, the impending destruction of Judah (a group of people in ancient Israel). It urges us to keep our eyes focused on God and to avoid pride and boasting. Let’s unpack it word by word: “But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother…” - This is a warning against envy and resentment. It's saying that focusing on someone else's misfortune, especially when they are facing hardship, will bring you pain and unhappiness. It’s about not dwelling on negativity. “…in the day that he became a stranger…” – This refers to the time of Judah’s downfall. “Stranger” means estranged, disconnected, or not truly connected to God. It speaks to a situation where they were drifting away from their faith and relationship with God. “…neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction.” – This is a crucial part. It’s saying that not rejoicing at Judah's fate is important, even though it's a painful thing to witness. Rejoicing comes from sharing in God’s joy and being united with those who are faithful. “…neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.” – This means we shouldn't boast or be arrogant when facing difficult times. Pride often leads to fear and a loss of perspective. It’s about humility. Overall Interpretation: Obadiah 1:12 is essentially saying that avoiding negative thoughts and focusing on God will help us maintain our peace and avoid being consumed by worry and despair. It's a call to prioritize God's plan, seek His guidance, and remain grounded in faith during challenging times. Think of it like this: It’s like a storm coming – you don’t need to dwell on the damage caused by the storm; focus on staying safe and praying for deliverance. --- Would you like me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to modern life? Offer a related scripture or passage?