Definition: As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful verse from Amos 5:19. It's a really striking image that speaks to a serious warning about sin and its consequences. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a situation where someone is facing a terrible danger – something incredibly dangerous – and they choose to ignore it, even when it’s clearly harmful. It's a stark illustration of how we often choose to live a life that leads to suffering. Let's unpack the imagery: “As if a man did flee from a lion…” - This is a huge exaggeration. Lions are incredibly powerful and dangerous wild animals. It’s saying that someone who doesn’t take seriously danger – perhaps because they’re complacent, lazy, or don't think about the consequences – is putting themselves in an incredibly risky situation. “…and a bear met him.” - This is a more realistic, but still frightening, image. Bears are powerful animals too! It suggests that someone who isn't mindful of their actions might stumble into something difficult or painful. “Or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall…” – This is where the danger really becomes apparent. It’s like someone is passively accepting harm while they are close to it. They’re not actively fighting or trying to protect themselves. “…and a serpent bit him.” - Finally, this is the key image. A serpent is a dangerous creature – often associated with sin and temptation. The “biting” represents the consequences of that inaction – pain, suffering, and perhaps even death. So, what does it mean in general? Amos is warning us about the dangers of not paying attention to God’s word and His plan for our lives. It's a reminder that we are all vulnerable to danger and that we need to be vigilant against temptation and disobedience. It's about recognizing that we are responsible for our own well-being and choosing to live a life aligned with God’s will. In short, it’s a warning against complacency and urging us to actively resist sin and choose righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme? Give you some practical ways to apply this verse to your own life?