Definition: They rewarded me evil for good [to] the spoiling of my soul.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 35:12. It's a really powerful and somewhat heartbreaking statement about suffering. Here’s a simple explanation: Basically, it means: “They punished me for doing something good, even though it hurt my spirit.” Let’s unpack that a little bit further: “They rewarded” : This suggests someone or something was praising or celebrating something positive – maybe a good deed, a successful achievement, or even just being kind. “Evil” : This is the key word here. It means something that goes against God’s will, something that isn't right, and causes pain or distress. It could be selfishness, pride, anger, or any action that disrespects God’s goodness. “Me” : This emphasizes that the punishment wasn’t inflicted on someone else; it was directed at you . “Good [to] the spoiling of my soul” : This is a really important part. "Spoiling my soul" means that your spirit – your feelings, your peace, your happiness – was damaged or ruined by this evil. It’s like a deep wound to your inner self. The overall message is about: The pain of suffering : The verse highlights the reality that sometimes good things can lead to bad consequences, and that suffering isn’t always something we can control. God's perspective : It shows us that God might be allowing this hardship to test us, to show us our true character, or to guide us towards a deeper understanding of ourselves and His plan for us. Important Note: It’s important to remember that Psalm 35:12 isn't necessarily about you being punished by God. It's more about the experience of suffering – the feeling of pain, sadness, or distress caused by something that goes against your will. It’s a reminder that we all experience hardship and that it’s okay to feel hurt sometimes. Resources if you want to explore this further: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Psalm/35/12](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/Psalm/35/12) - This allows you to read the verse in different translations and see how it’s interpreted across different traditions. Bible Kids: [https://kids.bibleonline.org/verse/35/12](https://kids.bibleonline.org/verse/35/12) – A good, easy-to-understand explanation for younger readers. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Psalm 35? Discuss the meaning of suffering in a broader context?