Definition: And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not bear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings another day: but this day thou shalt bear no tidings, because the king’s son is dead.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 2 Samuel 18:20. It's a really important and somewhat somber passage in the Bible about leadership and responsibility. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Joab is telling David: Joab is advising David to stop him from delivering news – specifically, news about the death of the king’s son. David is being asked to do this: David is a leader and has been tasked with protecting his kingdom. The King’s Son is Dead: The most crucial part is that the king’s son has died. This is a devastating event. What Joab is Saying – It's About Responsibility & Avoiding Disaster: Joab is essentially saying, “David, you shouldn’t be carrying this news today. It’s too dangerous. The death of the king’s son could cause chaos and problems.” He’s warning David to not deliver the news because it carries a significant risk. The Meaning – It's About Avoiding a Terrible Outcome: This verse highlights a key principle about leadership: responsibility comes with danger. It means that when you have power, especially power over others, you must be incredibly careful about what you say and do. David’s position puts him in a precarious situation, and Joab is urging him to avoid making things worse. Think of it like this: Imagine a fire alarm – if you're not careful, it could start and cause a huge mess. David isn’t supposed to be carrying that alarm; he needs to be mindful of what he's doing. Overall Significance: This verse is a warning about the potential consequences of actions, especially when power is involved. It emphasizes the importance of careful consideration and avoiding risky behavior. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or character?