Definition: But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Timothy 3:13. It’s a really important warning about the dangers of those who are trying to manipulate people for their own gain. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that people who are trying to trick or mislead others – whether they're politicians, leaders, or even just individuals – will become increasingly difficult to trust and will continue to push things towards harm. Let’s unpack it word by word: "But evil men and seducers..." : This refers to people who are malicious and intentionally trying to cause trouble . "Evil" doesn't necessarily mean outright wickedness; it just means they aren't acting with honesty or goodness. “Seducers” is a more old-fashioned word, but essentially it means someone who tries to influence or manipulate others for their own benefit – often by spreading rumors or causing conflict. "...shall wax worse and worse..." : This means they will become more dishonest, manipulative, and difficult to understand over time. It’s a gradual worsening of their behavior. "...deceiving..." : They're actively trying to mislead people with lies and false information. "...and being deceived." : This is the key part! It means that people will also become deceived by these evil individuals. They’ll start to believe things that aren’t true, and eventually, they’ll lose trust in those who are trying to trick them. In a nutshell: The verse warns us against complacency and encourages us to be critical thinkers. It's a call to stay vigilant and not blindly accept what people tell us, especially when it comes from someone with ulterior motives. Why is this important? This warning is often used to say that we need to be wise and discerning – to question things, look for truth, and avoid being swayed by those who aren’t acting honestly. It's a reminder of the importance of critical thinking! --- Do you want me to: Explain it in more detail with examples? Talk about its historical context (when was it written)? Connect it to a specific biblical story or figure?