Definition: Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Amos 5:7. It’s a really powerful warning about our relationship with God and how we treat the world around us. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that if you deliberately choose to ignore God's laws and principles, and instead focus on selfishness, sin, and wickedness, then you are actively contributing to a negative and broken world. It’s like choosing to let negativity and ugliness flourish. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Amos 5:7” : This is the verse itself – it's from the book of Amos, a prophet who warned about the people of Israel. “Ye who turn judgment to wormwood…” : This is where it gets more evocative. “Judgment” means God’s righteous anger and displeasure. “Wormwood” is a poisonous plant. So, "turning judgment to wormwood" suggests choosing to be wicked and destructive – like spreading gossip, lying, or harming others. It implies an active choice to do wrong. “…and leave off righteousness in the earth…” : This is the core of the warning. “Righteousness” means doing what’s right, following God's rules, and living a moral life. "Leaving off" means actively avoiding that kind of behavior. Putting it all together: The verse is telling us to actively choose to be bad, to prioritize selfishness over compassion, and to ignore the goodness and truth of God’s law. It’s about choosing to live in a way that harms others and diminishes the world. Why is this important? Historically, this verse has been interpreted as a call to repentance – a turning away from sin and towards God. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences, not just for ourselves but for everyone around us. It’s about actively choosing to live in harmony with God’s will. In short: This verse is a serious warning to choose good behavior and righteousness – to avoid wickedness and actively strive for justice and love. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Give some examples of how we can live out this message in our own lives?