Definition: Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Daniel 4:27. Itâs a really important passage about forgiveness and how to live righteously. Hereâs a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that the king, Daniel, was incredibly comfortable and indulged in plenty of luxury â he had mountains of food, a beautiful palace, and lots of friends. But he wasn't truly righteous or kind. He wasnât showing mercy to those who were struggling. The verse encourages him to change his ways and live with integrity. Let's break it down word by word: âWherefore, O kingâŠâ : This is a formal address â like saying "Listen carefully..." Itâs a way of addressing Daniel as someone important and needing guidance. ââŠlet my counsel be acceptable unto theeâŠâ : Daniel needs the king to give him advice - essentially, to guide his actions. âAcceptableâ means good and right. ââŠand break off thy sins by righteousnessâŠâ : This is the core of the message. "Sins" here mean wrongdoings â things like lying, stealing, or being unjust. âBreak offâ means to completely stop or eliminate them. âBy righteousnessâ means doing whatâs morally correct and fair. ââŠand thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poorâŠâ : This is about compassion and kindness towards those who are struggling. âIniquitiesâ refers to wrongdoings that are harmful or unjust â like taking advantage of others. âShowing mercy to the poorâ means being generous and helpful to people who are less fortunate than you. ââŠif it may be a lengthening of thy tranquilityâŠâ : This is the goal . The verse suggests that if Daniel changes his ways, he can find more peace (tranquility) â a sense of calm and happiness â in his life. Itâs not just about being good; it's about maintaining a peaceful and happy state of being. In simpler terms: Daniel was living a luxurious, comfortable life but wasn't being kind or honest. The verse says that Daniel needs to stop indulging in bad behavior (like lying or taking advantage) and instead focus on being just and helpful to others â especially those who are struggling. By doing this, he can achieve a greater sense of peace and happiness. Why is it important? This story is often seen as a reminder that true wealth isn't about material possessions; itâs about a righteous and compassionate life. It emphasizes the importance of living a moral life â being good to others and striving for justice. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss the significance of this story in a particular context (like the story of Job)?