Definition: And turn ye not aside: for [then should ye go] after vain [things], which cannot profit nor deliver; for they [are] vain.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 12:21. It’s a really important and somewhat complex passage about David’s relationship with God and his priorities. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that David shouldn’t focus on things that are temporary, meaningless, or don’t truly bring lasting happiness or benefit. It’s warning him against chasing after things that aren’t solid foundations. Let’s unpack it word by word: “1 Samuel 12:21” : This refers to a specific event in David's life – he’s talking about what happened when he was facing a difficult situation with his friend Jonathan. “And turn ye not aside” : This is the key part. It's urging David to not stray from the path of righteousness and God’s will. “Turn aside” means to go in a different direction, to deviate from what’s right or important. “…for [then should ye go] after vain things…” : This is where it gets deeper. “Vain things” refers to things that are empty , temporary , and don't have real value. What does “vain things” mean? David was struggling with a desire for worldly possessions – things like gold, riches, and power. He was focusing on these things because they seemed exciting or valuable in the moment. But God tells him that these things cannot bring lasting happiness or peace. “Which cannot profit nor deliver” : This is the core message. It means that pursuing these vain things won't actually lead to anything good in the long run. They’ll be empty and ultimately disappointing. "Profit" refers to benefit, while “deliver” means to be saved or blessed. It suggests a lack of real reward. “For they [are] vain.” : This reinforces the point – these things are not valuable or meaningful. The word "vain" emphasizes that they're not true and aren’t rooted in something solid. In short, the verse is a warning against chasing after fleeting pleasures and distractions when it comes to our relationship with God. It’s about prioritizing what truly matters – living a life of faith, obedience, and righteousness. --- Think of it like this: You can build a beautiful house (a life of faith), but if you focus solely on the pretty decorations (vanity) without grounding them in solid values, it won't be a lasting or fulfilling home. Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give you another example from the Bible?