Definition: Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Amos 5:14. It's a really important message about our relationship with God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying: “Focus on doing good things and being kind to others, and you will be blessed by God.” It’s a call to action – to prioritize goodness over badness. Let's unpack it word-by-word: "Seek good..." : This means actively try to do what is right . It’s about choosing to act in a way that honors and pleases God. It’s not just about avoiding doing wrong, but about striving for positive behavior. "...and not evil..." : This is the opposite of focusing on bad things. It's about rejecting harmful actions and thoughts. It means resisting temptation and choosing to be righteous. "...that ye may live" : This is the key part – this action will lead to a good life . It’s not just about avoiding trouble, but about experiencing a fulfilling and blessed life under God's guidance. "And so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you..." : This is where the power comes in. The Lord (God) isn’t just potentially there; He actively wants to be involved in your life. The word "hosts" means a huge and powerful group – it's not just one person, but an entire presence of God. Putting it all together: Amos is urging us to change our attitude and actions to align with God’s will. It’s a reminder that our lives are blessed when we live in accordance with His principles. It’s about actively choosing goodness and avoiding negativity, and ultimately, receiving God's blessing and favor. In short, it's a plea for a life filled with love, kindness, righteousness, and a connection to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a more detailed example of what "good" and "evil" look like in this context?