Definition: And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, [and] nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Proverbs 24:31. It’s a pretty poetic and symbolic description of a difficult situation! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a time when something is completely ruined or damaged. Let's unpack the parts: “And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns…” : This means things are covered in pain, hardship, and negative experiences. It’s like a deep wound – something has been deeply scarred. “…and [and] nettles had covered the face thereof” : Nettles are a plant known for their stinging properties. "Covered the face thereof" is a bit metaphorical. It means that something was completely obscured, damaged, and marred. Think of it like a huge, unpleasant stain or mark appearing on something important. “and the stone wall thereof was broken down” : This speaks to a fundamental collapse or destruction. A stone wall, usually strong and protective, is broken down – signifying that something has fallen apart completely. So, putting it all together: The verse describes a time when something significant has been deeply damaged, covered in pain and hardship, and now there's a massive, visible breakdown. What does this mean practically? Proverbs 24:31 often speaks about making wise choices and dealing with difficult situations. It’s a reminder that we shouldn't rush into things without considering the consequences of our actions – because even seemingly small hurts can lead to big problems. It encourages us to be thoughtful, patient, and seek wisdom before acting. In essence, it’s saying that sometimes life throws us curveballs - we need to be prepared for setbacks and understand that damage can occur. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of the verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to real-life situations?