Definition: Happy [is] the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Proverbs 28:14. It's a really important one about living a good and righteous life. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying that someone who really fears God will be happy and successful, but someone who hates or hardens their heart – meaning they become stubborn and selfish – will inevitably fall into trouble and make mistakes. Let's unpack it a little further: “Happy is the man that fears alway…” This means someone who constantly thinks about God and is afraid of Him. It’s about a deep, consistent desire to follow God’s commands. "...but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief." This is the crucial part! "Hardening your heart" means you become selfish, stubborn, and unwilling to listen to advice or do what's right. It's like building walls around yourself – you don’t want to let anyone in, which can lead to problems. When you harden your heart, you make mistakes and end up causing trouble. In a nutshell: The verse encourages us to be mindful of our hearts and to always keep them open to God's guidance. It warns against being selfish or stubborn, as these things can lead to unhappiness and trouble. Think of it like this: It’s better to be careful and follow the rules, even when it’s hard, than to act foolishly and make mistakes. Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to real life?